Grade 9 - Term 1 Life Orientation Notes
Goal Setting
Introduction to Grade 9 Life Orientation
Transition from Grade 8, no longer the "new guy".
Final year of the GET phase.
Important year for subject choices, influencing future study and career paths.
Shift from parents making choices to making personal decisions.
Focus on choosing personal goals and understanding the impact of lifestyle choices.
Key Terms
Values: Personal beliefs guiding decision-making.
Peers: People of the same age.
Media: Mass communication channels (newspapers, TV, magazines, social media).
Consequences: The outcome of behavior.
Lifestyle choices: Attitudes and behaviors in everyday life that reflect values and have physical and emotional impacts.
Morals: A system of beliefs taught for deciding what is good or bad.
Influences: Factors affecting character or behavior.
Social environment: The culture and people an individual interacts with.
Peer pressure: Influence from peer group members.
Priorities: the things that you value most.
Assertive: stand up for oneself, confident, insist on one's rights without being disrespectful.
Values and Influences
Values guide decision-making.
Example: If honesty is a core value, lying causes emotional (guilt) and physical (headache) stress.
Values are influenced by media, friends/peers, family, culture, religion, and community.
Influence of Media on Lifestyle Choices
Introduction
Personal lifestyle choices shape life significantly.
Choices, whether small or large, have an impact.
Example: Choosing to use alcohol can negatively impact goals and dreams.
External factors can also influence choices.
Surroundings often promote certain behaviors (e.g., alcohol consumption).
Influences
Media
Media (TV, newspapers, magazines, internet) disseminates information about what is considered normal and acceptable.
Media information may not always be true or align with personal values.
Exposure to media can lead to the adoption of false ideas or unhealthy habits.
Example: Wanting to be super thin like an actress may cause unhealthy habits like bulimia.
Family
Family is a prominent influence.
Behavior and attitudes are formed by parents/caregivers during childhood.
Family values, attitudes, and morals often dictate early choices.
As individuals mature, they may question family teachings and choose their own values and morals.
Religion
Most religions teach similar values like respect and kindness.
Religion encourages consideration of the consequences of actions and choices.
Environment and Community
Environment refers to the area or place that the community/group exist.
Environment and community significantly impact individuals.
Positive social environments foster successful futures.
Underprivileged communities with substance abuse and crime may limit perceived options.
Friends and Peers
Friends and peers influence decision-making.
Peer pressure can be negative (e.g., alcohol consumption) or positive (e.g., encouraging studying).
Decision-Making Skills
Introduction
Learning to make informed decisions and communicate them confidently.
Developing assertiveness to resist negative influences from family, community, and friends.
Focus on skills needed for difficult decisions and communicating choices assertively.
Informed Decision-Making: RELAX Acronym
Use the acronym RELAX to make well informed decisions in tough situations:
Recognize the problem and your options.
Educate yourself on all possible choices.
Listen to other people's advice and learn from past experiences.
Act according to your priorities.
Xpect the unexpected: consider alternative options if the decision doesn't yield the planned outcome.
Assertiveness Skills
Communicate decisions confidently and firmly.
Being assertive ensures clear communication of choices.
Tips for Standing Firm
Be confident: Trust your decisions.
Be Aware: Acknowledge limits and disadvantages of your choice, as well as its advantages.
Be assertive: Stick to well-reasoned decisions; communicate firmly and clearly without being aggressive.