This week has been decent. I was on holiday but I start again tomorrow…fun! IT has been frustrating as my partner and I moved into our new place but we are struggling so much just to get our wifi/fiber up and running. So we have been using data which is SO expensive!  Nothing has really inhibited my learning thus far, besides the data/wifi crisis which does make it a lot more difficult. Otherwise, I believe I am on a good roll with regards to my studies.

I do not have a lot of confidence in teaching music through movement, as I have not one musical bone in my body. I love music and I do believe that it has a great impact on children and their learning but because I lack the skills and knowledge in order to teach music, it makes it difficult for me to actually incorporate music into lessons.

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

The ZPD is the difference between what a child cannot do without someones helps and what a child can do by themselves. The ZPD is the area in which a child can do something with the aid of an adult/teacher. 

Summarise the most important aspects of the learning theories of Erikson, Piaget and Vygotsky for your teaching practice as a foundation phase teacher.

Erikson - Teachers need to know that building a strong relationship with the learners and allowing learners to build strong relationships with each other is very important. Having strong relationships with one another can help learners feel safe, valued, supported and cared for. 

Piaget - Children learn by interacting with the world around them and then will then build new knowledge-based off on the knowledge they had already.

Vygotsky - A child social environment plays an important role in their learning abilities. Children learn through influence and adults use these influences to teach the children. Adults and peers have a great influence on a child cognitive development. 

Why is it important to have basic knowledge about the musical development of foundation phase learners?

I think it is important to have basic knowledge about music in order to select the appropriate music activities and teaching strategies that will cater to the learners' needs and interests. 

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In order to help children with Holistic Development, I believe music can be beneficial as it can heal the soul, soothes the mind and can contribute to physical education when dancing along to a song. According to Martin (2020) Music education has numerous advantages that are extremely beneficial to children.

Music has a good impact on a child's academic performance, aids in the development of social skills, and gives a creative outlet that is important for a child's growth. Music education promotes a child's experience to new levels, and as a result, it should be considered an essential part of a child's learning process at all times(Martin, 2020)

Music aids in the coordination of the body and mind. Children who are exposed to music early in life are better able to learn the sounds and meanings of words. Children can improve their motor skills while also practicing self-expression by dancing to music. Music can help you remember things better (Anonymous, n.d.).

Resources/References

Anonymous. (n.d.). CHILDREN AND MUSIC: BENEFITS OF MUSIC IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT. Available: https://www.brighthorizons.com/family-resources/music-and-children-rhythm-meets-child-development#:~:text=It%20helps%20the%20body%20and,music%20helps%20strengthen%20memory%20skills.. Last accessed 15th August 2021.

Martin, A. (2020). The Importance of Music Education in Schools. Available: https://www.graduateprogram.org/2020/08/the-importance-of-music-education-in-schools/. Last accessed 15th August 2021.