Grade 8 Life Orientation – Study
Notes (June 2025)
Self-Concept & Values
• Self-concept: The way you see and think about yourself. It includes how confident you feel
and what you believe about your abilities.
• Values: Important beliefs like respect, honesty, and kindness that guide your behavior.
Self-Concept and Motivation
Factors that influence your self-concept and motivation:
• Media: Shows perfect images that can affect how you see yourself.
• Family: Encouragement and love build confidence.
• Friends/Peers: Their opinions and acceptance shape your actions.
• Religion & Culture: Provide values and guidelines for behavior.
• Environment: A safe, positive school or community helps motivation.
Conflict Resolution
• Healthy ways: Staying calm, listening actively, and compromising.
• Unhealthy ways: Using violence, shouting, or ignoring others' opinions.
Understanding Sexuality
• Sexuality: How people feel, behave, and identify in relation to gender and attraction.
• Changes during adolescence:
- Physical: Body changes, voice deepening, etc.
- Emotional: Mood swings, new feelings, identity questions.
• Talk to trusted adults like parents, teachers, or counsellors.
• Schools support learners through Life Orientation lessons and counselling services.
Health Awareness
• HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus – attacks the immune system.
• Cultural influences: Traditional clothing and customs shape identity and self-concept.
Please read through your textbook for extra information and understanding)
Understanding Careers
• Social: Helping people (e.g., teacher, nurse).
• Conventional: Organizing info (e.g., clerk,
accountant).
• Investigative: Solving problems (e.g., scientist).
• Artistic: Creative work (e.g., actor, designer).
• Enterprising: Leading or selling (e.g., entrepreneur).
Learning Styles – Know How You Learn Best
Each person learns in a different way. Knowing your learning style helps you to study
smarter and improve your results. Here are the four main learning styles:
1. Visual Learners – “I learn best by seeing.”
• Use diagrams, charts, pictures, colours, and mind maps.
• Study using videos and drawings.
2. Auditory Learners – “I learn best by hearing.”
• Listen to recordings, read aloud, join discussions.
3. Kinesthetic Learners – “I learn best by doing.”
• Prefer practical work, building models, using flashcards.
4. Reading/Writing Learners – “I learn best through text.”
• Read textbooks, write summaries, create notes.
Why it matters:
• Helps you study more effectively.
• Saves time by using methods that work for you.
• Improves academic performance and motivation.
Friendships
• How to start (initiate) a friendship:
- Say hello and start conversations
- Join activities or clubs
- Be kind and supportive
- Offer help
• How to keep a friendship strong (maintaining a frienship):
- Be honest and respectful
- Support each other in hard times
- Communicate and spend time together
- Apologize when wrong
• Why friendships matter:
- Help with stress and emotions
- Make you feel accepted and confident
- Teach social and life skills
Substance Abuse
• Substance abuse: Using drugs or alcohol in harmful or illegal ways.
• Dangers:
- Health problems (liver, brain, etc.)
- Addiction and dependency
- Bad decision-making
- Damaged relationships
• How to say no:
- Be firm
- Give a reason
- Walk away or change the subject
• Prevention:
- Teach learners through LO
- Offer counselling and youth activities
- Get parents and the community involved
