Grade 2 Life Skills continues to build on the holistic development started in Grade 1. The 2026 curriculum expands into broader themes like “People who help us,” “Seasons,” and “Life at night,” while maintaining a strong focus on physical well-being and creative expression.
This guide outlines the 2026 Life Skills Annual Teaching Plan (ATP), providing a structured weekly roadmap to help teachers guide learners through topics like water purification, puppet shows, and locomotor movements.
Life Skills Grade 2 ATP 2026
The curriculum is divided into four terms, integrating Beginning Knowledge (BK), Personal and Social Well-being (PSW), Creative Arts (CA), and Physical Education (PE).
Term 1: Myself, Friends & Healthy Living
Focus: The first term focuses on personal identity, social relationships (friendship/bullying), and the essentials of a healthy lifestyle.
- Weeks 1–3: Myself and Others
- PSW: Qualities of a good friend, sharing, helping, and dealing with conflict/bullying.
- Science: Observation of weather (hot, cold, cloudy) and recording daily conditions.
- Weeks 4–6: Everyone is Special
- PSW: Understanding similarities/differences and caring for people with disabilities (guide dogs, hearing aids).
- Theme: “I can be a hero.”
- Weeks 7–8: What We Need to Live
- Science: Sources of water, clean air, and the importance of sunlight (protection from the sun).
- Technology: Making a water gauge or sun hat.
- Weeks 9–10: Healthy Living
- PSW: Protecting food from flies, purifying water, and identifying harmful substances (smoking/drugs).
- Good Habits: Regular exercise and limiting TV time.
Term 1 Creative Arts & PE
- Creative Arts: Painting self-portraits, making collages of healthy food, and creating 3D clay plates.
- Physical Education: Locomotor movements, rhythm games, and balance activities.
Term 2: Seasons & Animals
Focus: The second term explores the natural world, covering the four seasons, animal life, and habitats.
- Weeks 1–4: Seasons
- Concepts: How seasons affect us (clothes, food, activities) and nature (growing crops, migration).
- Science: Comparing the four seasons and recording weather.
- Weeks 5–6: Animals
- Types: Farm animals (uses/products) vs. Wild animals (camouflage).
- Technology: Making a mask or a camouflage garment.
- Weeks 7–8: Water Animals
- Habitats: Fresh water (frogs, trout) vs. Salt water (sharks, starfish).
- Creative Arts: Drawing sea creatures and making mobiles.
- Weeks 9–10: Animal Homes
- Types: Animals that make homes (birds/bees), find homes (baboons), or carry homes (snails).
- Technology: Building a 3D animal structure using recyclable materials.
Term 2 Creative Arts & PE
- Creative Arts: Drawing seasonal pictures and constructing animal masks.
- Physical Education: Imitating animal movements, coordination drills, and laterality exercises.
Term 3: Soil, Transport & Community
Focus: The third term investigates the environment (soil), technology (transport), and the role of community helpers.
- Weeks 1–2: Soil
- Science: Different types of soil (texture/colour) and creatures living in soil (earthworms).
- Importance: Growing vegetables.
- Weeks 3–5: Transport
- Modes: Road, rail, air, and water transport.
- History: How transport has changed over time.
- Technology: Making a toy vehicle (car/boat) with wheels or axles.
- Weeks 6–7: Road Safety
- Rules: Pedestrians, cyclists, passengers, and road signs.
- Safety: Scholar patrols and traffic officers.
- Weeks 8–10: People Who Help Us
- Roles: Clinic nurse, librarian, police.
- Skills: How to ask for help in an emergency (who to contact).
Term 3 Creative Arts & PE
- Creative Arts: Making soil collages, drawing transport modes, and role-playing community workers.
- Physical Education: Traffic safety games, perceptual-motor skills, and spatial orientation.
Term 4: Our Country & Communication
Focus: The final term covers national identity, communication methods, and the nocturnal world.
- Weeks 1–2: Our Country
- Symbols: The South African flag, anthem, and map (locating own province).
- Diversity: Celebrating different cultures and national days.
- Weeks 3–5: Ways to Communicate
- Methods: Speaking, writing letters, reading signs, and listening to the radio.
- Specialized: Braille and Sign Language.
- Technology: Making a “telephone” using cups/string.
- Weeks 6–8: Life at Night
- Routines: Getting ready for bed, dreams, and sleep.
- Nature: Nocturnal animals (owls, porcupines) and people who work at night.
- Creative Arts: Making an owl or a “night” collage.
Assessment Guidelines
- Format: One Formal Assessment Task (SBA) per term covering all 4 study areas (BK, PSW, CA, PE).
- Method: Mostly oral and practical demonstrations, with some written components for Beginning Knowledge.
- Weighting:
- BK & PSW: 40%
- Physical Education: 30%
- Creative Arts: 30% (15% Visual + 15% Performing)
FAQ: Life Skills Grade 2
Q: What is “Beginning Knowledge”? A: It covers content from Social Sciences (History/Geography) and Natural Sciences/Technology. In Grade 2, this includes topics like transport history, seasons, and animal habitats.
Q: How is Creative Arts split? A: Creative Arts is divided into Visual Arts (2D drawing/painting and 3D construction) and Performing Arts (dance, music, and drama games). Both are taught weekly.
Q: What is the focus of Physical Education? A: PE focuses on Locomotor (running/jumping), Perceptual-motor (balance/coordination), Rhythm, and Sports skills. Assessment is based on participation and movement performance.