Music play in the foundation phase

Play is prevalent in numerous African cultures and in the broader African setting, where we frequently see characteristics of play when individuals participate in music and dance activities.

Three types of play in childrens culture

• Traditional: Rules are vital in traditional play. This style of play is set in stone. Many traditional children's games include rules that must be adhered to and are rarely broken.
• Open: Improvisation is a type of open play. Although open play involves rules, these can be adjusted based on the needs of the children while they are playing.
• Original: Original play is imaginative and centered on a sense of wonder. Original play is mostly a solo activity in which the player amuses himself with items, actions, and sounds.

Contributions of play in the classroom

• Musical play involves and develops senses and sensibilities, which are important for musicianship.
• Play provides an emotional outlet within the sense of communal belonging. Through play children develop a range of performance competencies: music, dance, drama, society, culture, history, politics and more.

Elements of play

Play is voluntary and unifying, forming part of the socialising process. Curiosity and creativity in play let's learner try something new and see what happens. Play blurs the lines between young/old; rich/poor; strong/weak and offer a safe space to explore socio-historical events.

• Play involves a state of mind and disposition
• Play contains elements of surprise and challenge
• Play involves a process, attitude, and structure
• Play involves aesthetic quality judgement by participants
• Play creates informal space for socio-historical comment
• Play reinforces societal role