Part 1:

• • I’m doing well, so happy that the seasons have changed. There is a tree in my yard that had fallen down last year when it was very windy and stormy. We managed to lift the tree and put a  rod to support it, I watered it all the time but it looked like it had died, you won’t believe that the tree is no very much alive now it soo green and whenever I feel a bit down. I look at it through the window and smile because wow there must be something good I am doing, I’m grateful to the creator.

Before the storm  After the storm  

        After winter

Part 2:

• I learned that according to Vygotsky, playing creates a child’s zone of proximal development the child’s problem solving skills. They learn about cause and effect while experiencing cognitive abilities.

Study unit 3

What possibly made some learners uncomfortable during these activities?

Being shy, belief and religion also the fact that they did not understand the language. The song is about the train that brings father home, some  children do not have parents you may find that they are living with their relatives or  grandparents because mom and dad have passed away or went to work far so the song may be  their least favourite because they do  not relate to it at all.  Some people associates Amapiano Genre with night clubs and drinking. So that can be another reason why the children are shy to dance to it. Another reason may be that the learners have two left feet, they are aware and that makes them less confident. Or leaners are from families that does not like dancing or singing.

 Why were some learners uncomfortable?

Because the song was in a language that they do not understand. In many South African homes people dislike speaking another language, they only speak English language. Vernacular is looked down on, Some schools do not allow learners to speak home language when they are in the school premises, they would even advice parents to speak English at home with the kids so that they can improve so you may find that the learners are confused because of the school language rules. Some girls are shy to dance in front of the boys.

Can you think of ways to address these issues in future?

In future I would choose a song that is in the same language as the language spoken at school. I could ask learners if they are fine with doing the activity, if they are not find another activity that will not make them as uncomfortable like Singing a favourite song rather than dancing to a certain song. I could even allow the leaners to choose a song as long as it is appropriate.

What will you change?

I could maybe choose a song that is in the same language as the language spoken at school. Or not only do a song but poem like retelling the poem, after watching it in class. I would do a thorough research on learner’s background religion and culture so that I can choose songs that are not making them unable to fully participate. Try to involve each learner.

How can we accommodate diverse learner profiles in our classrooms?

Create an interesting game activity that is fair and gives every learner a chance to win, regardless of their religion or ethnicity.

Encourage leaners to learn other languages be sensitive and accommodating to each other’s differences.

What must we beware of?

Diversity whether political, religious or ethnicity. Diversity simply means that the children have different life experiences, context, and language differences. Teacher will have to treat each learner as an individual, or separate learners into different groups. Present lessons from different perspective, to every leaner so that all learners can be accommodated and catered for. The teacher’s task is to make leaners feel protected and they should not be frustrated while at school.