Study unit 4

Why should one integrate arts in the Foundation phase lesson planning and curriculum?

I think it is important to integrate the arts through performing arts and creative arts as it allows learners to grasp the concepts and knowledge that is part of the Arts integration allows learners to grasp concepts and knowledge in a creative way that allows them to use their whole body through their senses.  This allows learners to then grasp, understand and commit new information from their working memory to their long-term memory.

By a techer integrating the arts into the curriculum she is able to make teaching and learning fun for herself and her learners.  Performing arts and creative art integration into the three learning areas in the Foundation phase allows learners with ADHD, ADD, concentration and learning problems to destress and refocus.  Teaching and learning without the arts would make learning very boring and difficult for learners who are not academically inclined.  The arts allow learning to take place without the learners even realising that they are learning because they are too busy moving their bodies and having fun.  The arts are also important for learners to move their bodies.  When learners move their bodies and use their senses, they are able to retain what they have learned without being stuck sitting behind a desk all day being expected to just sit still while watching and listening to the lesson. 

In my class I love to sing, clap or do actions to refocus and energise my learners during and in-between lesson.  I believe the arts are an integral part like cement to the bricks which make up the subject matter and curriculum.