Ever heart of the saying, music is life? Well, if you haven’t, clearly you have never attempted to understand why musical plays a such a vital role in the learning process for the foundation phase. Music can give children a way to express themselves, to unleash their creativity, to be inspired and uplifted, to relax, and to relieve stress and tension. Just think about listening to a beautiful piece of classical music, singing along to a favourite song with friends, or dancing to a great song on the radio – music can make your heart sing!

Under study unit 3 of this week’s lecture, it is clearly stated or shown that in the African context, play is a way in which people communicate, compete, test, instruct and enjoy. It is therefore, that this complex and multi-dimensional character of play, a musical performance can both be ritual and play. Henceforth, within the classroom, we have to include opportunities for learners to engage in play on various levels which range from free play to directed play.

The study unit further goes into detail on explaining play in the foundation phase, characteristics of play, educational outcomes of play, elements of play, examples of play, and lastly, genres of play and games. Hence, I strongly believe that Summarizing the whole study unit is like not being willing to share information. I encourage that when you get a chance you can go through the unit on the following link: https://efundi.nwu.ac.za/access/lessonbuilder/item/7100187/group/0260eb58-ef38-4c2b-926c-18925cb51969/Reader/LSKM%20221%20SU%203.pdf

On another note, studies in neuroscience show that music can enhance brain function in children. Musical activities (such as playing an instrument, singing or just listening to music) stimulate the brain, and this brain workout leads to improved brain structure with the formation of new neural connections.

Studies also show that young children who participate in music classes have improved speech development and learn to read more easily. Learning music helps to develop the left side of the brain (related to language and reasoning), assists with sound recognition, and teaches rhythm and rhyme. Songs can also help children remember information (just think of the Alphabet song!).

Music can help with the development of maths skills. By listening to musical beats your child can learn basic fractions, pattern-recognition and problem solving. Children who study music also have improved spatial intelligence and ability to form mental pictures of objects – skills that are important for more advanced mathematics.

Other recent studies have shown that people who are musically trained have better working memory skills, helping them to remember things even while their minds are busy with other matters – important aspects of mental arithmetic and reading comprehension. Learning music also requires significant levels of concentration, training children to focus their attention for sustained periods. Just like playing sports, playing and dancing to music helps children develop their motor skills. Making music involves more than the voice or fingers; you also use ears and eyes, as well as large and small muscles, all at the same time. This helps the body and the mind work together.

Learning music teaches children to work towards short-term goals, develop routine and practice self-discipline.  Setting aside regular time for practice develops commitment and patience. Mastering a new piece of music leads to a sense of pride and achievement and helps children to learn the value of self-discipline. Making music with other people (like in a band or choir) improves children’s social and emotional skills.  They learn to work together as a team and develop their sense of empathy with others. Researchers have found that when children play music together – from simple rhythms to larger group performances – they are better able to tune into other people’s emotions.

With all these benefits, try to expose your child to music as much as possible – listen to music together, sing songs, play rhythm games, go to concerts or make your own instruments together. Your local library, community center or music society may offer music programs for kids. If your child wants to learn a musical instrument, your options may include a school music program, private music teachers, and group music activities such as choirs, recorder groups and bands.

NB:   This is what I have analyzed from the given scenario under blogging info of the study unit 3:

• What possibly made some learners uncomfortable during these activities?

The way in which the activity was structured in. the was little consideration for how other learners would feel in terms of dancing and singing in a different language.

• Why were some learners uncomfortable?

The use of a Zulu language. The other learner indicated that he/she didn’t really enjoy the song because she felt that s/he did not understand the language. As for the girl, she complained that she was uncomfortable because in her religious beliefs, a girl cannot dance in front of boys. Let alone dancing to house music.

• Can you think of ways to address these issues in future? What will you change?

In future I will be a little bit more considerate and try to understand that the learners come from different diverse background and I will be more inclusive.

• How can we accommodate diverse learner profiles in our classrooms? What must we beware of?

Be aware of different cultures, religious beliefs, and backgrounds.