Grade 7 Life Orientation – Understanding and Addressing Eating Disorders

Lesson Plan Title: Grade 7 Life Orientation – Understanding and Addressing Eating Disorders

1. Lesson Plan Title: Grade 7 Life Orientation – Understanding and Addressing Eating Disorders

2. Materials Needed:

   • Whiteboard and markers
   • Projector and computer
   • PowerPoint presentation
   • Handouts on eating disorders
   • Videos/Short clips on eating disorders (optional)
   • Colored markers and chart paper for group activities
   • Worksheets for assessment
3. Learning Objectives:
   • Define and understand different types of eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.
   • Identify the signs and symptoms of eating disorders.
   • Understand the psychological and physical impacts of eating disorders.
   • Discuss the importance of body image and self-esteem in relation to eating disorders.
   • Explore strategies and resources for seeking help and offering support to others.
4. Vocabulary:
   • Eating Disorder
   • Anorexia Nervosa
   • Bulimia Nervosa
   • Binge-Eating Disorder
   • Body Image
   • Self-Esteem
5. Previous Learning:
   • Basic understanding of physical health and nutrition from earlier grades.
   • Introduction to mental and emotional health issues covered in previous Life Orientation classes.
6. Anticipated Challenges and Solutions:
   • Sensitive Subject Matter: Some students may have personal experiences related to eating disorders. Handle discussions with care and empathy. Offer support options like talking to a counselor.
   • Varied Understanding Levels: Students may have different levels of understanding. Utilize visual aids and simplify concepts where necessary.
   • Engagement: Students might find the topic heavy. Use interactive and engaging activities to maintain interest.
7. Beginning Activities (10% of time):
   • Introduction (5 minutes): Start with a brief discussion on what students know about eating disorders. Use questions like “Have you heard of anorexia or bulimia?” to gauge initial understanding.
   • Hook Activity (5 minutes): Show a short, age-appropriate video clip or series of images that illustrate different types of eating disorders and their impact. This will set the context for the lesson.
8. Middle Activities (80% of time):
   • Presentation (20 minutes): Use the PowerPoint to explain:
     • Different types of eating disorders.
     • Signs and symptoms to look out for.
     • Psychological and physical impacts.
     • Importance of body image and self-esteem.
   • Class Discussion (10 minutes): Facilitate a discussion on societal pressures and media influence on body image. Incorporate questions such as, “How do media portray ‘ideal’ body images?” and “How does this affect us?”
   • Group Activity (25 minutes): Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a type of eating disorder. Provide chart paper and markers. Ask each group to create a poster showing the disorder’s symptoms, impacts, and advice for seeking help.
   • Group Presentations (15 minutes): Have each group present their poster to the class. Encourage questions and discussions after each presentation.
   • Resource Hunt (10 minutes): Provide handouts detailing resources like counseling services and hotlines. Allow students to discuss how they would use these resources to help themselves or a friend.
9. End Activities (10% of time):
   • Reflection (5 minutes): Ask students to write a short reflection on what they learned about eating disorders and why it is important to seek help and support others.
   • Q&A Session (5 minutes): Open the floor for any remaining questions and provide clarifications as needed.
10. Assessment and Checks for Understanding:
    • Formative Assessment: Observe participation in discussions and group activities to assess understanding.
    • Summative Assessment: Evaluate the group posters and individual reflections for comprehension and insight.
    • Worksheet: Use a worksheet with multiple-choice and short-answer questions to assess knowledge on types, symptoms, impacts, and resources related to eating disorders.
11. Differentiation Strategies:
    • Visual Learners: Use videos, presentations, and posters.
    • Auditory Learners: Incorporate discussions and verbal explanations.
    • Kinesthetic Learners: Engage in group activities and poster-making.
    • Support for Diverse Learners: Provide handouts with key points and vocabulary for students needing additional support. Offer extra assistance during group activities.
12. Teaching Notes:
    • Ensure sensitivity when discussing personal experiences or known cases.
    • Monitor group activities to ensure productive and respectful discussions.
    • Be aware of signs of discomfort among students and be ready to provide support or notify a counselor if necessary.
    • Reinforce the message that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

This lesson plan aligns with the CAPS curriculum for Grade 7 Life Orientation by addressing important health issues and promoting awareness and empathy among students. It provides a structured and thorough exploration of eating disorders, ensuring students are not only informed but also encouraged to support one another.