Welcome to you all.  I am excited to share my ideas and viewpoint on my my LSKM blog today.  

As I have gone through study unit 2, I have learned how music is so diverse and inclusive in education.  It allows teachers to teach learners holistically.  Learners are able to use all their senses when learning about music and the best part is that it can be used in all learning areas in the foundation phase.  Teachers are able to use music games, music patters, rhythm and body percussion during mathematics, language and life skill lesson to enrich the learners learning experience.  Music is also soothing and calming to learners with barriers to learning.  Music allows learners during these lessons to feel included, appreciated and accepted even though they may not excel at the subject or in the learning area.  I have learned that the key to music is to link it to the child's interests and learning needs during lessons and assessments.

During a Math lesson the teacher is able to use songs to teach learners about patterns.  In Language learners vocabulary is developed and enriched.  During Life skills learners learn about different themes and content from the song.  During music activities learners learn without even realizing that they are learning because they are so busy enjoying the music and movement that the music allows them to express.  When learners learn with their whole body, physical, cognitively and emotionally they are able to learn better and retain what they have learned as it allows the information to be stored in their long term memory for later retrieval unlike talk and chalk teaching which usually is only retained for short periods of time.

In closing it is important for learners to connect with the music and its content.  Teachers need to select music that is age appropriate. that children are able to make a connection with and that they enjoy listening to.  It is also important for teachers to choose a variety of music that relates to all learner cultures and interests so that all learners feel valued and appreciated.  If a child feels safe and secure while they are learning they will be able to learn with ease.