Good day, Goeie dag, Dumêla.

I hope everyone is healthy and coping well with all your duties and responsibilities. I have a tiredness over me that I can not explain, I find myself falling asleep on my arms while doing my studies. Is it because of it is the end at the year? Is it because I have to look after and educate my own Grade R class of 22 learners? Is it because I am married and have too much housework? I DON’T KNOW! What I do now is my faith always pulls me through and God gives me new strength when I need it most – I am nothing without my faith.

While working through the content of Unit 5 I became aware of strategies that is used for when planning music lessons – This also helped me to get a better picture of how to complete Assignment 4. I learned a lot of do’s and don’ts – one that stood out for me was to never play music without a specific aim. I learned that any music that is listened to in the class must contribute towards reaching the lesson aims.

What was most significant for me in study unit 5 is that there should always be music at the beginning and end of a lesson. I always tend to only use music at the end of a lesson, but now I shall use music at the beginning and at the end of the lesson.

What could the possible reasons be that assessment is neglected in Performing Arts and Music in the Foundation Phase?

• Firstly, lack of time – there are not many school hours in a day you only have a couple of hours to teach children Mathematics, First Language, second Language, Life Skills, Music and Performing arts. Teachers of today are under the impression that music and art integration activities are too time consuming.
• Lack of resources – Not all schools are in a financial position to provide teachers with all the resources we need to educate Performing arts and music.
• Teachers are not educated to teach performing arts and music
• Most schools prefer to spend more time on other subjects that is more likely to raise scores on standardized tests.
• While there are learners that love these subjects, some learners find it “boring” or loses interests fast while teachers are teaching the subject.

Please explain how you would advocate for and heighten awareness about the importance of assessment when speaking with your HOD about your concerns in this regard.

First of all, I would do my own research – so that I am prepared for any questions they might have. I would show them the statistics that proof that it is only beneficial for the learners.

I will show the HOD my own ideas of how music can be integrated with other subjects as well, and how learning outcomes can be achieved.

I will show them where the curriculum states that performing arts and music is compulsory.

That is all for me for today

Until next time bloggers