Ook so this is the last one! I cannot believe it, how are we already at the end of this year? It went sooo slow, yet it flew by, so strange. I am kind of relieved that we are done with these blogs, this was honestly not my favourite part about this module, I dreaded them. Somehow I just find it really difficult to come out here and voice my opinions on everything, I would rather much just keep it to myself. Anyhow, lets get this over with then.

1. Never in  a million years did I think music education was so important and played such a big role in the development of a young learner. From module 1 right to the end, I was surprised in every module, just when I thought ok there cant possibly be more benefits, the next module came along and intrigued me. I must say I learnt a lot of new skills that can be incorporated in this module and I cannot wait to be in a classroom and utilise all that I have learn about music development and integration

•  What did you learn from your individual reflections?

. I learnt that when you are forced to reflect on something, that is when you learn the best, it encourages you to actively be involved and process and analyze the information given.

• What did you find challenging?

It was challenging for me to come on here and relay what I have learnt, but I will admit it made me think and process this module a lot better. LSKM most definitely had me at my wits end, I found this subject to be the most demanding from my side, it required a lot of attention, much like my 2 year old.

• Did you find the individual reflections meaningful? Please motivate your answer.

Yes, most definitely. I learnt a lot more by reflection, in a way it forced me to understand the work properly, because I had to give feedback, it was not just go through the work and have an idea of what is going on, this required thorough understanding of this module.

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

I would change my mindset from the beginning. I was very negative about this module simply because I don’t have proper understanding about it, but now that I do, I would love to go more in detail and music integration is going to be my number 1 focus in my classroom. I would also allow myself more time for this module.

• What did you find interesting and meaningful?

The way in which music help with development in the classroom in all subjects, not only as a fun subject. The fact that it plays such a big role, it really amazed me.

• What challenged you, and what do you still struggle to understand?

This entire module to be honest, for some reason it was taxing on me, probably because I had so little knowledge on music prior to this. I struggled with the group assignment, I just didn’t see how it worked together, if it was not for my wonderful group members, I don’t know how I would have pulled it off. And to my surprise, we go 100% for our assignment, that really boosted my confidence.

• What didn’t you find valuable for your future teaching practice?

If I’m being honest, I learnt so much from this module, that nothing for me was invaluable. Every bit played a part for me and thought me more and more about what I needed to know.

HEY PEOPLE! 

Soooo this has been a terrible few weeks! I sometimes wonder what on earth did I get myself into by choosing to study again this late in life, then I realize its too late for that, I am very much in this and have no choice but to push along  . 

And guess what? this due date just slipped passed me, hopefully I wont be in too much trouble for this, I am a few days late, rather late than never? Fingers crossed.

(ALSO I JUST REALISED I CAN CHANGE FONT COLOR ON HERE  OLD AGE ? )

ok so, 

REASONS THAT ASSESSMENT IS NEGLECTED IN ARTS PERFORMANCE IN FOUNDATION PHASE?

• Schools nowadays are not equipped correctly to teach performing arts.
• Teachers underestimate the true ability of performing arts
• Not enough time is structured in classrooms for this subject
• It is naturally assumed that arts integration does not really impact learning in any way

 

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.

• Using the CAPS document and some journal articles to prove that art integration has a major impact on the way foundation phase learners develop.
• Including performance arts into my classroom for a few weeks and showing the HOD the difference it make in teaching and learning.

I guess that's it from me today, this is all I could Muster up to think of. 

I will make sure not to miss the next one, and come with a force for the final blog.

Peace out fellow members!

Aaaaaand we back again for yet another post. This time around I do not have much to say, just been so busy and need to motor through things. Not going to lie, LSKM is getting slightly overwhelming for me, learning alot but also quite the amount of information to process. So lets get to it....

Arts integration, i personally am not a very artistic person and before going through this module would agree with those who say it is a waste of time. But now that I have the correct knowledge on this part of life skills, I definitely disagree with myself previously. I have also made a huge realization personally. I have a 4 year old daughter, and all she wants to do is paint, and when I say this I mean PAINT ALL DAY LONG! I buy paints on the monthly with groceries. So coming back to the topic, it made me realize that when she paints, she is so calm, she is in her element, and she is always drawing things in numbers. like 2 hearts or 4 butterflies, and this!, was an AHA moment for myself. this is exactly what this study  unit is all about. intergrating arts and different subject to increase stimulation and understanding. This is such a useful tool when trying to teach small concepts of different subjects. it helps children understand with clarity in their own way, while enjoying themeselves at the same time. The Types of skills learnt while incorporating arts is so interesting.

It was challenging adding all this new information to what I thought was everything I could possibly know about music.

Once I got through the entire module it all came together.

And I am back, with yet another one of my boring stories!

Its almost the end of September and I feel like as if I have gotten nothing done yet! There is still a whole storm of work to do. am I drowning again? Maybe? I don't know!

Lets get started then....

1. Learners from different backgrounds and cultures are not always exposed to the other cultures and backgrounds. This can have a negative effect. some learners may feel left out by the fact that they do not understand what is being said in the song, sometimes younger kids also may feel like they being made fun of if they don't understand what is being sung.

2. some were uncomfortable because they had to dance in front of the other gender which is against their religious views, and others were upset because they didn't understand the song.

3. I would choose a song that is inclusive to all, so that no one feels left out, and for those that do not want to participate due to religious reasons, they can read a book or do some mind stimulating exersises.

4. We must be very careful of being racist or exclusive, all learners in class must feel like they belong and must be comfortable at all times. it is important to make sure the content we choose is diverse and not based on a single culture.

so I guess that it from me for today then.... will chat again soon!!!

Hey there! 

Its that time again, I am back to blow your brains on what has been going on in this CRAZY life of mine.

This week is driving me to insanity, so many things are due and I am stressed about the fact that I have not started with anything yet and for some reason I am SO calm, that it is actually stressing me out, make sense? No? I also do not know?   

Oh well, I guess this is life then, let me get on with it. Study unit 2 it is, very informative I must say! It intrigued me, as I had not known so much about music as I thought I did.

1. So contemporary music it is for me. I think children of today are so advanced, don't get me wrong, good old traditional stuff is just as good, but majority of the time we are listening to latest hits and trending music, and this is what kids are used to. It is what gets their bodies moving and their mouths working. Put on a latest hit and which child isn't singing away. For this reason I think it is the best choice of music to introduce in the classroom. You will have every child's attention.

2. Yes most definitely inclusive in my opinion. From the examples given, to all the songs used, I think all children can relate and be a part of. All aspects have been taken into account. Its not activities or movements that children will struggle with, in fact I believe these activities will help those that are in need of more attention, in ways that teaching other subjects might not.

3. I don't think much change needs to be made. Maybe to really assist those struggling, working in pairs or groups might assist or make it easier, but other that that, the activities mentioned in study unit 2 seen quite inclusive to me.

Ok, so I guess that's it from me for now, I am done babbling away, I promise!

Until next time 

It has been a....good week I can say! I finally have all my ducks in a row! Written down dates and started submitting things. Although my pace is slightly slower than I would like, but I am getting there Slowly but surely. I have to start somewhere I guess. Juggling time with 2 small kids definitely is not easy. I set time aside for each module and make sure I get to them all.

I was Most definitely not aware of the large impact music had on the different stages of development of a child. The fact that it can play such an important role in word/sound development. Also amazed at the impact it has on personal and social development. music has the ability to build a child confidence and self esteem.

 

Currently I feel overwhelmed with all this new found knowledge, and I do not think it is enough just yet for me to be imparting this knowledge. I just feel like I would not know where to start. Although I am loving learning about it and all the benefits music has. Yes, I would love to one day incorporate it into my teaching practice, I most definitely look forward to doing that! I just need to know more.

Music of course! Definitely the way. After reading all the benefits it has to the development of a child holistically, why not?

Music impacts development in many ways. It Physically improves hand-eye co-ordination, balance and gross motor skills. cognitively it enhances numeracy and literacy skills. Adds to their vocabulary. Benefits their listening skills. Brings kids together socially. They participate together in group activities. Dealing with being in a group and overcoming difficulties together. Has the ability to lift a mood and enlighten emotional feelings.

This was very informative as I had no personal knowledge of the capabilities of music. It is definitely something I look forward to learning more about and adding to my method of teaching.

That's all for now, until Study Unit 2!

I am Fatima Carrim, 31 year old wife and mother of 2. I come from a small town in Mpumalanga called Bethal. I love Spending time with little humans. Seeing them learn  new things amazes me. I love the look on their faces when they learn something new and get excited about it. My passion is learning. I'm obsessed with learning new and different things, and then to impart that knowledge brings me joy.

I am particularly excited about this module, excited to see how music affects teaching little humans. I know for sure they love music, but in what ways they learn and develop from it will be something interesting to see.

I am a bit afraid of the logistics about this module, it does seem like a lot of information to process, but its all part of the process and I am excited to see where it takes me.