Hello,

Can't believe we are ending our semester, our year. Things are getting much calmer now since we are busy with exams. I prefer these times. I actually feel that there is more time in my day to complete my activities. I am excited for this year to end.

LSKM 221 was something new for me in the beginning. It was strange for me to reflect on my emotions and experiences but in thee end I am glad to be able to be part of a subject where your feelings and emotions are acknowledged. Music and performing arts was not my strong suit but after completing this module I have gain certainty, clarity, knowledge and understanding how importance this subject needs to be incorporated in Foundation Phase. The module gave me a good guideline how to teach music and performing arts effectively, appropriately and successfully.

- What did you learn from the individual reflections?
It learned me to express my feelings and emotions, how I experienced each study unit and what I have learned about each study unit. These reflections helped me gain full knowledge and understanding.

- What did you find challenging?

It was challenging to summarise my feelings and emotions in a few sentences. The is so much going on in peoples lives that expressing themselves in so little words can be frustrating. It was also challenging to summarise the whole study unit to recall what we have learned in the study unit.

- Did you find the individual reflections meaningful?

Yes, they were meaningful because it helped us fully gain knowledge and understanding about every study unit each time we had to reflect on the study unit and answer question regarding the study unit.

- What would you change if you had the opportunity in the future?

I wouldn't change anything. Each study unit gave the needed information that had to be learned and no unnecessary work had to be completed.

LSKM was a good learning journey. I was interesting and meaningful. I learned something new in each study unit. This module made me excited and enthusiastic about my future teaching career. There was a challenging in each study unit which activated our critical thinking and to teach us how to think for ourselves and outside of the box.

Thank you for the lectures full support and participation in helping each individual student when we were in need. Not all lectures take this much care over their students and we show much appreciation. Thank you Ms Francis .

​​​​​​Hello ,

The time that has pasted since my last blog has been very busy but very grateful for the sunny and rainy weather we have gotten. The studies have been getting a bit less because it is exam time so it gives me more time to study and enjoy my hobbies. I feel more in control of everything lately.

In study unit 5, it has come to my attention that CAPS is a good guideline and support system to plan effective and quality music and non-music lessons. CAPS also encourages educators be use the correct elements of play, to encourage creativity, discovery and collaboration and to apply arts integration strategies as often as possible in their teaching.

The study unit presents useful information on how to plan lessons, how to use music activities, how to incorporate music elements in lessons and in games, different teaching strategies regarding arts and movement integration, basic principles how to complete successful introduction, teaching and learning phase, conclusion and assessment phase.

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

  - Educators are not full equipped with the required and needed elements and equipment.

  - Parents only want their children to perform academically.

  - Unprivileged schools don't have the needed resources to make performing arts possible.

  - Some educators feel that performing arts is only for the learners enjoyment and don't realise and are not aware of the importance of arts and music in the Foundation Phase.

- 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.

I will firstly bring to the HOD's attention the problem I am experiencing and then present evidence to support my problem. The evidence will consist of how assessment hinders a learners academic performance and improvements from other subjects as a result of incorporating music in those subjects too.

I will also present records of a learners past activities and achievements for the HOD to see where the problem lies and in which content a learner is struggling in.

Hello,

I can’t believe that it is the end of the month. This has definitely been the quickest month yet. But I am excited to have some time off at work during the school holiday and just focus on my studies. Looking back at this month, I am very grateful for all the opportunities that crossed my path and also happy with everything that I have achieved thus far.

During this study unit, I learned the importance and benefits of arts integration in the Foundation Phase education. I learned how and why educators need to be integrating arts in the classrooms. It was interesting and enjoyable to learn the different activities teachers can use to promote arts during school.

Some people might say that arts integration is a waste of time in Foundation Phase education. Please explain how you would respond to such a statement by explaining your view on arts integration in the Foundation Phase.

Arts integration is not a waste of time in Foundation Phase education. Only teachers who teach in the Foundation Phase will know why art integration needs to be implemented in their classes. Integrating arts in a classroom is beneficial towards a learner's prior knowledge and skills in multiple subjects. Through, simultaneously, using more than one subject in multiple art activities, learners will be able to find connections between different contents during these activities. Art integration will give learners a wider perspective through personal experiences when they are actively engaging with classmates in activities. This will promote their social and communication skills and also increase their art abilities by learning from others.

Which aspects of study unit 4 did you find the most interesting and challenging? Please use the following prompts to reflect on your experience:

What did you find interesting? Please explain why.

What I found interesting is how multiple subjects can be simultaneously implemented in different art integration class activities. I was surprised by the great affect this integration has on the learners. It promotes and develops a learner’s prior knowledge and skills in many ways.

The theoretical framework also grabbed my attention. It was interesting to study the teaching and learning about, from, on, with, in, and through music.

What did you find challenging? Please explain why.

What I realise what is going to be challenging for educators, was to make sure that a teacher will need to combine the correct and suitable contents from multiple subjects to incorporate in different art integration class activities. They will have to ensure that these activities are effective and applicable for their class and that it will match the learning outcomes.

Hello,

This past week has been quite hectic with work, coaching, studying and hostel duty. I am exhausted. But I am also grateful for the different oppurtunities and privileged to be able to already take so much responsibility. It helps me stay motivated and encouraged.

After study unit 3, it came to my attention what great effect and learning outcomes foundation phase learners can gain and achieve through play. Now I understand the value, purpose and importance play has on each individual and that it must be implemented in all foundation phase classes. Each individual can get to know themselves and others through acting alone or with others. Play can boost their self-esteem and self-confidence during play and in ordinary class time.

Up to now, I am very intrigued and curious for what LSKM 221 can teach me more because I have gained another and better perspective about music. I am definitely convinced that music is going to become priority in my classroom one day.

- What possibly made some learners uncomfortable during these activities?

Learners are always more comfortable speaking in their own language than in a foreign language. Playing a game according to a song which some learners don't understand, will definitely make learners feel uncomfortable because they may feel they can't fully participate or enjoy the game. Children also don't like to lose and some learners may feel it is unfair to play a game where they know they can't win. This will cause them to feel unmotivated and not give them a sense of belonging.

At the next activity. There will definitely be learners who will feel uncomfortable dancing alone in the middle of a group of learners. Especially if they don't have the self-confidence nor like feeling under pressured or forced to do something by others. Not all learners can dance or like dancing and teachers need to understand that in these activities not all learners have to participate.

Learners who approached the teacher, after the activities, were uncomfortable about not being able to participate and enjoy themselves fully because of the Zulu song was not being understood by the boy and the girl could only stand and watch the dancing activity because it is against her culture.

- Can you think of ways to address these issues in the future? what will you change?

The believe that the choice of song is not the problem. All learners need to respect and gain knowledge about other cultures. But I think the problem was, was that some learners didn't understand what they were singing and I would explain to learners the meaning about the song.

For the group activity. I would give an option or individual learners to dance in the middle of the circle. Other than that, I would let the whole group learn a dance sequence or dance freely as a group. Learners can also rather dance in groups with the same sex.

- How can we accommodate diverse learner profiles in our classrooms? What must we be aware of?

Us as teachers, must identify the different cultures in our classrooms and ensure that we know what each culture values and beliefs are. This will keep the learners and ourselves safe from any conflict.

As a Foundation Phase teacher, I would choose contemporary commercial music. This type of music includes pop, rock, hip-hop and etc. Basically every type of music except for classical music. Learners in the Foundation Phase tend to find classical music boring and enjoy more upbeat, modern music. Contemporary commercial music will encourage and motivate the learners to participate in lessons. The learners will feel more comfortable because they are familiar with he type of music. Also, this type of music is appropriate for all cultures and ages.

Yes, I believe that the examples in Study Unit 2 are inclusive. They are good examples to refer back to and to give a good idea about what is expected from a Foundation Phase teacher. The examples contain good input and perspective on how to create creative and age appropriate lesson to the learners.

I wouldn't add or change anything from the examples in Study Unit 2. They are easily read and understood. I have definitely gained a better knowledge and understanding about what is required of a teacher. I am also excited to learn more.

Afternoon,

This week went by quite fast. It was very busy between work, coaching, hostel duty and my studies. It is really hard to get back into routine and make time for everything. My mind is racing. But I know that things will get better and easier soon. I just need to push through this first part.

After completing Study Unit 1, I found is very interesting about the different stages learners go through as they get older when it comes to music skill concept, rhythm, pitch, harmony and etc. This made me realise the importance of knowing at which stage a learner is supposed to be.

1. Although Study Unit 1 has learned me a lot and made me aware of what and when I should look out for when I am teaching Music to Foundation Phase learners. My confidence to integrate music into my teaching practice will only completely develop after I have taught the subject and it's concepts a few times. When I start teaching, my confidence will come from my prior knowledge about what I have learned in this module but I believe that true confidence develops through experience.

2. I would choose Physical Education because children tend to remember and enjoy learning easier and quicker when moving. In Music, there are many was to incorporate physical education that will increase the learner's imagination, peer interaction, vocals, rhythm, body development and memory. This will benefit their academic performance and they will feel more comfortable in their own bodies which will promote self-confidence and self-esteem. Learners also enjoy physical education more because they always want to move around, play, sing and dance. 

Hello,

My name is Nicole Smit. I am from a farm outside a small town situated in the Eastern Cape called Burgersdorp. I am currently living and working for my 2nd year as an assistant teacher at a school in Bloemfontein. 

The reason why I want to become a FP teacher is because each time when I see the many uneducated farm worker's children on our farm, my heart drops. I believe that every child has the right to be educated and I want to give those unprivileged children the education they deserve one day.

I am passionate about building strong, healthy relationships with my family, friends and colleagues. I am a person that believes in quality time and making effort for those who bring purpose to my life. I am also passionate about coaching hockey at the school that I work at. I always try to be as much involved as I can to improve the children's abilities.

I am excited and very curious what I am going to learn in LSKM 211 module. Our family in general are all musicians of a type of instrument. As I play the guitar, a bit of piano and sing as well. My grandpa, Fanie Smit, used to speak on RSG every Sunday to present different types of music, from opera to classical music, that he gathered over the years while travelling Europe. The entire family would always sit and listen to his whole program. (Ek moet sê, dit het op my afgesmeer.... Elke Sondag wanneer ek terug ry van die plaas, Bloemfontein toe, dan luister ek RSG)

All that I expect to learn from this module is how can  I firstly, increase my knowledge about music and secondly, how can I use that knowledge to incorporate it into my teaching