Die and nutrition  (Page 2/2)

Life orientation offers the educator an ideal opportunity to realise his / her responsibilities in this regard. The projects that are offered in this module are especially effective in ensuring that learners become positively involved.

Creativity, and shaping and articulating own opinions are of prime importance. It is essential that learners should know that their educators take them seriously. Sensitive, open communication between educator and learner and also amongst learners themselves will establish successful communication patterns. It is also a valuable opportunity to develop self-respect and respect for others, as well as respect for the community and for the laws of the country.

Mutual respect implies, amongst other things, that the educator will not impose his / her own political or religious convictions on the learners. In the new educational policy it is very important that educators will not misuse this learning area by forcing their own political or religious convictions upon their learners. It is particularly important that information of this kind be conveyed to the learners as objectively as possible, so that learners will be guided towards developing tolerance and understanding for persons from other cultures and religious persuasions.

It is recommended that the media (newspapers, magazines and television) be fully utilised. In this way the activities can be directly related to the world of the learners.

The content of Grade 5 Life Orientation lays the foundation for a more cognitive approach to problem solving and conflict handling in Grades 6 and 7. It is important that learners master group skills, and the techniques of role play and debating so that they will be able to deal with the more advanced topics they will encounter in the following two grades.

On a physical level the gymnastics exercises in Grade 5 become more advanced. Strict discipline should be maintained during group games, dances and so-called stunts. Although learners will merely regard it as fun at this stage, it forms the foundation of control, balance and precision that is expected of them in the higher grades.

Life Orientation for Grade 5 consists of a number of modules focussing on:

1. Health and diseases
2. Social development: rights and responsibilities
3. Personal development

4. Physical development and movement

The first modules, 1-7, prepare the learners to be responsible consumers and to make sound, informed choices regarding their own diets. They are also made increasingly aware of health risks in their own environment and of their responsibilities regarding the maintenance of balanced ecosystems. While there was merely a brief reference to certain children’s rights in Grade 4, the Grade 5 learners are now given the opportunity to focus on their rights and duties as citizens of the country. The sensitive issue of child abuse is also broached. Educators must realise that they have a great responsibility as consultants, confidants and counsellors in this regard. It is here that serious problems can be identified and prevented. It is essential that educators should know the correct procedure should they have to deal with a case of child abuse. During discussions on contagious diseases educators are also in a position to play an important role in preventing life-threatening diseases such as TB, cholera and aids by approaching these topics with the necessary seriousness.