Part 1:

I am feeling tired today. However, my week seemed to improve as it went on in terms of productivity and energy levels. It started badly on Monday as I did not get enough work done on the weekend, and I also wasn’t getting enough sleep so I was stressed and tired. On Tuesday I was falling asleep whilst marking books. However, I decided to dedicate my afternoons and evenings after work to university work only, and so I did not run or train or socialize at all. I managed to get a lot of work done and get to bed at a decent hour.

Unfortunately, once again, my weekend did not include as much work as I had hoped for. On Saturday my under 13 hockey girls had a tournament from 7:30-14:30, and then I played a hockey match straight after that. I was so tired that I fell asleep at 21:00. This morning (Sunday) we had a training run at the dam and then I met with some old school friends who were in town for the weekend, so I am only sitting down now to work.

I know, all sounds like a repeat from last weekend; you’d think I’d learn.

Part 2:

I enjoyed the sections where they shared some ways in which the arts can be integrated into 6 major areas, those being Reading and Language Development, Mathematics, Fundamental Cognitive Skills and Capacities, Motivations to Learn, Effective Social Behaviour and School Environment. I never knew the possibilities when it comes to using art in all areas of learning and teaching.

The most significant area was mathematics and how through certain music instruction, including comprehensive instruction that includes training in keyboard skills, develops spatial reasoning and spatial-temporal reasoning skills, which are fundamental to understanding and using mathematical ideas and concepts.

Part 3:

1. Arts integration is very valuable for all ages, but particularly for foundation phase learners. Children need to be multifaceted, especially in today’s times. Integrating art into various subjects simultaneously will encourage learners to demonstrate an understanding of different topics and skills, it will promote active engagement in learning, as well as experimental learning and problem solving. The arts also offer the learners fun activities, while promoting curiosity and creativity. They can also allow that to filter into their learning experiences.

2. I found the section about ‘Teaching and learning from music’ very interesting. Learners will have the opportunity to participate in uninitiated, spontaneous play with teaching related to music.

I feel that the challenge would lie with following the CAPS requirement of drawing links between different subjects and arts. I would find it difficult to tie the arts into something like maths or phonics, but I suppose it will come with practice and experience.