Part 1:

It’s been a while since I’ve written a blog post. I cannot believe we are nearing the end of the year; October is almost finished! However, as much as it feels like we should be winding down, getting in the summer holiday mood, the workload does not seem to be ready for a holiday (at school and university). I am needing to steer my mind away from feeling like I should be on holiday.

The past few weeks have been busy, stressful, but productive. I am working even harder to get all my assignments and tasks submitted before my big 4-day stage race. I am also getting my ducks in a row at work because I will be off for 3 days for the run. I even had to put in 2 days study leave. But I feel like I am in a good place and should be sorted come the 4^th of November (race day 1).

I am also enjoying school even more than usual now, because now that we are on lockdown level 1, we are finally able to start introducing some of the ‘normal’ routines and procedures. Small assemblies, sport and extra murals, outings, interhouse sports day etc.  I am so happy for the children!

Part 2:

Lesson planning is something that we have looked at in detail from the beginning of our teaching studies, as the generic layout has been ‘drilled’ into my brain. However, that generic lesson plan won’t be perfectly suitable for a music lesson. I have learnt that a music lesson needs to be planned differently to the lesson planning I am used to. The new elements involved in planning that I’ve learnt is the class preparation, and situational analysis. The inclusivity and including unique needs will be different from the classroom because learner’s struggles in music will be completely different to academic struggles. 

Part 3:

I think that teachers often feel that music should not be taken as seriously as some other subjects, because not many children will pursue music further than primary school, and even fewer will try to create a career out of music. They probably also feel that it is very specific, unlike other subjects that may open doors into a wider range of career options one day.

It is important to assess music because it gives us insight into how the students learn and think and is a good indication of whether us as teachers are doing a good job in teaching our learners. Assessment also keeps teachers and students accountable and will help ensure high level teaching and learning all round.