Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade R

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• By the end of this week's lessons, learners will be able to:
• Identify and name at least three basic emotions (happy, sad, angry) when shown a picture or a facial expression.
• Demonstrate an understanding of sharing by actively participating in a small group activity that requires sharing resources (e.g., blocks, crayons).
• Use polite words such as "please" and "thank you" (in English and/or their home language, e.g., ngicela, enkosi, asseblief, dankie) during role-play and classroom interactions.
• Describe at least one positive action of a good friend (e.g., "a good friend shares," "a good friend helps you").

Lesson summary

This week's lesson focuses on the foundational social and emotional skills that are crucial for Grade R learners. We will explore the topic of "Myself and Others," with a specific emphasis on identifying and understanding our own feelings, and learning how to interact positively with our peers. In the diverse South African context, these skills are the building blocks of community and are deeply connected to the principle of Ubuntu – the understanding that "I am because we are." By learning to recognise their own emotions and respect the feelings of others, learners develop empathy, kindness, and the ability to form healthy friendships.

Lesson notes

Concept 1: Our Big Feelings (Imizwa Yethu) Feelings are something everyone has inside them. They can change throughout the day, just like the weather. All our feelings are okay to have, but it's important to learn what they are and how to show them in a safe way.

Happy (Ukujabula / Bly): This is the feeling you get when something wonderful happens! Your mouth might smile, and you might feel light and want to laugh or jump.

Example: "Remember when Lesedi got a new puppy? She felt so happy she hugged her mom. Playing with your best friend on the swings can also make you feel happy." Sad (Ukudabuka / Hartseer): This is the feeling you get when something upsetting happens. Your mouth might turn down, and you might have tears in your eyes. You might want a hug.

Example: "When Thabo fell and scraped his knee, he felt sad. It's okay to cry when you feel sad. When we see a friend is sad, we can ask, 'Are you okay?'" Angry (Ukuthukuthela / Kwaad): This is a strong, hot feeling you get when something feels unfair or someone bothers you. Your face might get tight, and you might want to cross your arms or make fists. It is okay to feel angry, but it is not okay to hit, kick, or shout mean words.

Why and How: "We feel angry when someone takes our toy without asking. Instead of hitting, we can use our 'big voice' and say, 'Stop, I don't like that!' or we can walk away and tell the teacher. Taking a deep breath can also help the angry feeling calm down." Concept 2: Being a Good Friend (Ukuba Umngane Omuhle) A friend is someone we like to play with and talk to. Being a good friend helps everyone in our class feel happy and safe.

Here is how we can be good friends: Sharing (Ukwabelana): Sharing is letting a friend use something that is yours for a little while. When we share, more people get to have fun.

Example: "There are only three red crayons at the art table, but Zinhle and Pieter both want to colour the roof of their house red. Zinhle can use the crayon first, and then give it to Pieter. This is sharing. It makes both friends feel good." Taking Turns (Ukushintshana): This is a way to share activities. It means one person goes first, then the next person, and so on. It is the fair way to play.

Example: "Everyone wants to go down the slide. We can't all go at once! So, we make a line. The first person slides, then the next person gets a turn. We are taking turns, and everyone gets to play." Being Kind (Ukuba Nomusa): Kindness is shown through our words and our actions. Kind actions are like little gifts we give to others.

Example: "If you see your friend has dropped all their beads, a kind action is to help them pick them up. A kind word is saying, 'I like the picture you drew.' These things make our friends' hearts feel happy." Concept 3: Showing Respect (Ukubonisa Inhlonipho) Respect means treating others how you would like to be treated. It shows that you care about their feelings and what they have to say.

Listening Ears: When a friend or teacher is talking, a respectful friend stops, looks at them, and listens with their ears. This shows you think their words are important.

Magic Words: We use special words that show respect. They are like magic because they make people feel good. "Please" (Ngicela / Asseblief): We use this when we ask for something. "May I please have a turn?" "Thank You" (Ngiyabonga / Dankie / Enkosi): We use this when someone gives us something or helps us. "Thank you for sharing your blocks." "Sorry" (Uxolo): We use this if we accidentally hurt someone or make a mistake. "I'm sorry I bumped you." Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Activity: Feelings Face Match Question: The teacher holds up a large picture of a child who is crying after dropping their ice cream. "Look at this picture. How do you think this child is feeling? Point to the feeling face (from a choice of happy, sad, angry cards) that matches. Why do you think they feel that way?" Worked Solution: The teacher guides the learners to point to the 'sad' face card. "You are right, this is the sad face. The child is feeling sad because their special treat fell on the floor. It is very sad when that happens. Let's all make a sad face together. Now, what could we do to help a friend who feels sad? Maybe we could give them a hug or ask if they are okay." Activity: The Turn-Taking Tower Question: In a small group of three learners with a bucket of blocks, the teacher says, "We are all going to build one big tower together. But we must take turns. How can we do that fairly so everyone gets to help build our tower?" Worked Solution: The teacher models the solution. "Okay, first, I will put on a blue block. Now, it is Lerato's turn." (Teacher waits for Lerato to place a block). "Wonderful! Now it is Sipho's turn." (Teacher waits for Sipho to place a block). "Excellent! Now it is my turn again. See how our tower is growing tall because we are all taking turns?