Grade 6 Physical And Health Education Outdoor Activities – Choosing And Constructing Shelter Notes
Physical & Health Education — Outdoor Activities
Subtopic: Choosing and Constructing Shelter (Age 11, Kenya)
A shelter keeps you safe from sun, wind and rain when you are camping or during an emergency. Good shelters are dry, warm, safe and simple to build using materials around you.
1. Why choose the right place? ☀️☔️🌬️
- Pick high, flat ground so water does not collect around the shelter.
- Stay away from rivers, flooded areas and animal trails.
- Avoid building under dead branches or near bee nests and tall grass (snakes hide there).
- Near trees is good for shade and tying ropes, but do not cut healthy trees.
- Face the entrance away from the main wind direction.
2. Materials and tools (common in Kenya) 🧰
- Polythene sheet or tarpaulin (picha/tarpaulin) — waterproof.
- Strong poles or branches (bamboo, eucalyptus sticks, long branches).
- Rope, string or strips of cloth to tie.
- Grass, palm leaves or thatch for a roof (coastal areas use makuti).
- Knife or small machete — only used with an adult’s permission.
- Dry leaves or grass for floor insulation.
3. Simple shelter types and how to build them
A. Lean-to (quick and easy) 🛖
- Find a long branch or pole and lean one end on a tree or large rock.
- Place a tarpaulin or many overlapping branches/grass over the sloping pole so rain runs off.
- Secure the bottom edges to the ground with stones or pegs so wind does not lift it.
- Leave the front open for air but small enough so wind and rain stay out.
B. A-frame (stronger, fits 2 people) ⛺️
- Use two sturdy poles that meet at the top (or tie to a horizontal ridge-pole between two trees).
- Drape a tarp or strong grass mat over the frame and secure the edges to the ground.
- Add more leaves or grass on top if you need extra insulation.
C. Debris shelter (warm in cool nights)
- Build a small frame of branches (like a small A-frame).
- Cover the frame with many layers of leaves, grass and smaller twigs — at least 30–40 cm thick.
- Make a small entrance and pack dry leaves on the floor to sleep on.
D. Tarp shelter between two trees (fast)
- Tie a rope between two trees at about 1.2–1.5 m high (ask an adult to help).
- Throw the tarpaulin over the rope and peg or tie the corners down.
- Make one side lower so rain flows off; face the entrance away from wind.
4. Safety and health tips ✅
- Always tell an adult where you are going and work with someone — never alone.
- Use sharp tools only with adult supervision. Wear gloves where possible.
- Keep cooking and fires at least 3 m from the shelter. Never sleep with a fire inside the shelter.
- Check for harmful plants, insects and snakes before you sit or sleep.
- Keep shelter well ventilated to avoid breath condensation and reduce risk of sickness.
5. Clean up and respect nature 🌱
- Leave the site as you found it. Do not cut live trees; use fallen branches.
- Put out fires completely and scatter cold ashes.
- Bring home rubbish or bury small biodegradable waste away from water sources.
Quick checklist before you build:
- Do I have permission and an adult nearby?
- Is the ground dry and safe?
- Do I have rope, tarp/polythene or enough branches and grass?
- Is the site away from water and animal paths?
Remember: Good shelters are simple, safe and dry. Practice building with your class or family and always respect nature.
— End of notes —