Hey guys!

Ugh! This week has been so hectic. I have been recovering from Covid and have been trying to get my strength back. Post Covid symptoms are the worst. I have been week and I get exhausted so quick. Keep safe, warm and remember me in your prayers! This week, I chose to focus on a few subjects at a time in order to make up on work that I had missed. This week, I learned the theories of Vygotsky, Piaget, and Erikson and spent a long time trying to comprehend how each theory works and what each theorist was attempting to achieve. It's been fascinating to observe how each theorist has their unique views and what thoughts prompted them to embark on this road of research.

1. Explain your understanding of Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development.

The zone of proximal development (ZPD), also known as the zone of potential development, refers to the range of talents that an individual can accomplish under the supervision of an expert but cannot yet perform on their own.

This learning theory, developed by psychologist Lev Vygotsky, may be witnessed in a classroom environment or anywhere else where an individual has the chance to gain new abilities.

According to what I understand, Vygotsky's thesis presupposes that all societies are the same, however they are not. He believes that interpersonal social interactions (cultural values, problem-solving, beliefs, and communication) are critical for learning growth. Vygotsky created a theory that helps learners to establish connections based on their social interaction by emphasizing scaffolding. The zone of proximal development is a set of abilities that someone acquires while being guided by some

2. Summarise the most important aspects of the learning theories of Erikson, Piaget, and Vygotsky for your teaching practice as Foundation Phase teacher.

3. Would you please describe your confidence in your current knowledge and skills to teach music through movement in the Foundation Phase as you start your LSKM 221 journey?

One of the most enjoyable things we may engage in is listening to music. Music may make us feel emotions, recall past experiences, think, dream, have fun, do catharsis, create, and connect with others. Among the many advantages of listening to music.  I love listening to music and dancing, it allows me to forget my worries and living in the moment.

Music stimulates many aspects of a child's growth and abilities for school readiness, including cognitive, social-emotional, motor, linguistic, and general literacy. It promotes the coordination of the body and mind. Introducing children to music at a young age helps them learn the sounds and meanings of language. Dancing to music helps youngsters develop motor skills while also allowing them to express themselves. Music improves memory skills in both youngsters and adults.

https://www.brighthorizons.com/family-resources/music-and-children-rhythm-meets-child-development#:~:text=Music%20ignites%20all%20areas%20of,sounds%20and%20meanings%20of%20words.

4. If you have to choose between incorporating Music education OR Physical education in the Foundation Phase curriculum to meet the holistic development needs of learners, which would you choose?

I would choose physical education: Some individuals believe that music is more essential than academics since it develops children memory and hand-eye coordination. Although this is true, P.E. teaches children the same thing but via physical activity. P.E. teaches children to catch, throw, and do a variety of other skills that they will need throughout their lives. The main advantage of learning these activities in P.E. is that you stay in shape while doing it.

The Foundation Phase emphasizes the development of the learner's gross and fine motor abilities, as well as perceptual development. Physical and motor development is essential components of a learner's overall development. It has a tremendous impact on the social, psychological, and emotional development of students.

Physical Education (PE) builds students' skill and confidence to participate in a variety of physical activities that become an important part of their life both inside and outside of school. A high-quality physical education curriculum enables all children to enjoy and achieve in a wide range of physical activities.

https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/our-schools/abu-dhabi/learning/sport-and-physical-education/physical-education/the-importance-of-physical-education

https://www.education.gov.za/Programmes/PhysicalEducation.aspx#:~:text=The%20development%20of%20the%20learner's,social%2C%20personal%20and%20emotional%20development.