PREFACE

PREFACE

Welcome in Grade 4!

The subject of Life Skills contributes to each learner’s overall development. It is at the centre of the learner’s holistic development and will teach each learner the required skills to reach his/her full potential on a physical, intellectual, personal, emotional and social level. The learners will also be equipped with knowledge and skills to help them to function as a wellrounded individual in society. The subject encourages learners to develop life skills that will enable them to effectively deal with the onslaught of society. The learners are also encouraged to play an active and responsible role in society.

The subject of Life Skills comprises three sections: • Personal and Social Well-Being (PSW) • Physical Education (PE) • Creative Arts (CA) – Performing Arts and Visual Arts

In this guide, the three sections flow together. The PE activities are not found at the back of the study guide, but are included in each term’s work. You can adjust the lesson content at your own discretion, but you have to ensure that all the work is completed during the term.

This guide was compiled in accordance with the CAPS requirements. Personal and Social Well-being teaches the learners how to behave in the relationship between themselves and the environment and community. It equips learners with the life skills to make informed decisions about everyday life. This includes decisions about personal lifestyle, health and social well-being.

It will help learners deal with difficult situations and mainly focuses on: 1. Self-development 2. Health and environmental responsibility 3. Social responsibility

Physical Education focuses on the physical development of learners. The learners will learn about healthy eating and exercising habits to enable them to make informed decisions about their health and fitness.

The last part is Creative Arts. This is divided into Dramatic Arts and Visual Arts.

Visual Arts focuses on the following three aspects: 1. Visual literacy 2. Designs in 2D 3. Designs in 3D

Dramatic Arts will expose the learners to dance, drama and music. It will help them to develop and expand their creativity. The four topics of Dramatic Arts are: • Warm-up and games – Preparing the body and voice, and the use of games to learn certain skills • Improvise and create – Using spontaneous art skills to demonstrate learning • Read, interpret and perform – Learn the art form’s language, interpretation and performance of the productions • Appreciate and reflect – Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of own and others’ productions

The subject of Life Skills has the following specific goals: • To guide learners in reaching their full physical, intellectual, personal, emotional and social potential. • To teach learners about their constitutional rights and responsibilities, and to respect the rights of others. • To guide the learner in making informed and responsible decisions about his/her health and environment. • Develop creative, expressive and innovative individuals. • Develop skills such as self-awareness, problem-solving, interpersonal relationships, leadership, decision-making and effective communication. • To expose learners to experiences and the basic skills of dance, drama, music and the visual arts, as well as art literacy and appreciation. • To allow learners to enjoy the health benefits of exercise and to develop social skills that come from participation in physical education.