HELLOW BLOGGERS!!!!!!

I cant believe that soon this academic year will be over and I will be prepping to be a 3rd year student. How the year has flown. :) 

What did I find interesting about this module?

This was my first ever encounter with blogs and forums so from that side WOW I cant believe how much I enjoyed that side of assessment. I guess we are so used to the formal side like tests and assignments it was so refreshing to be assessed in this unique way too. :) 

My story as an LSKM221 student from beginning to end of module? 

WOW When I first started I was very overwhelmed by all these new ways of assessments and the unknown and it took me a while to warm up to the module. The knowledge gained is incredible and I really am excited at the teacher I will become when I am done with my studies. I think the biggest decision I ever made was leaving Unisa and joining the NWU family as what I have learnt in the 2 years of studying here I didn't receive in my 3 years there. I was happy to see my attitude change from fear to excitement as the module progressed. 

Role of Reflections?

I personally enjoyed the reflections and I kind of wish each module had something like this blog platform where we are heard and can express ourselves in a semi formal manner but still be learning. Not using the old school way only as learning is changing and we have get diverse and creative all the time. 

I wouldn't change anything about this module. maybe not do too with the blogs and forum. I noticed a lot of students did the personal blogs but didn't take part in the interactive forums. I ended up talking to myself.lol Maybe the workload got too much and they didn't get time to focus on that. Either than that it was 110% on the money. :) I give it 11 out of 10. 

From the time we learnt about the instruments, the rhythm and now lesson planning it has all been valuable. It was a fun and informative module. I really enjoyed it. It was meaningful and I wouldnt change anything.

I will definetly be incorporating music and arts more in my teaching. 

Hello Bloggers!!!

I am so glad the end is near. What a rollercoaster of a semestar for me. I guess 10 modules in 1 semestar was a lot to chew but I made it. :) Now that final assessments have begun the rush has picked up again. The weather these days is not making studying any easier after a long day teaching Grade 1s. Guess it will all be worth it in the end. 

What did I find interesting about this module?

I wouldn't even know where to begin. Of all my hectic modules I was doing this semestar this was one of my favourites because of how unique it was. SU5 was also very interesting learning about lesson planning. 

• I enjoyed learning about the variety of teaching, learning and assessments activities.
• I enjoyed learning about methods of assessments.
• I enjoyed learning about incorporating music at the beginning and end of the lesson.
• I enjoyed learning about a well constructed lesson plan.

Possible Reasons that assessment is neglected in Performing arts?

It is quite a challenging and different subject to assess.

It poses its own unique challenges like there is no formal framework and structure for assessment.

Which means a lot of it relies on the teacher.  There no direct assessment levels. Some people may even neglect it because they don't see value in it or don't have necessary resources to be able to access this in their schools. The biggest thing I found doing a little bit of research on the topic was that arts education today is the general public attitude that career preparation is the main reason for school and thus knowledge not tied directly to job skills is unimportant.

So basically they only want to be assessed with subjects tied to job skills only which excludes certain learners. Another challenge though is that teachers have little formal training on arts. 

How would I advocate for and heighten awareness about the importance of assessments when speaking with my HOD? 

I would start by educating her and summarising how much knowledge I have gained just doing this module about music. That music is not a tool that can be used to carm or entertain in the classroom only but can be learnt as a subject so that the learners can incorporate it daily and the teachers can use it as a teaching tool. Knowledge is power is once she seems the benefits and even though they are challenges the end is goal is greater. 

Bibliography

https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/05/03/Schools-neglect-arts-education/5219578635200/

Wow 

What a crazy past two weeks. I wish lecturers knew how stressful group assignments can get. Sometimes you get a very good group that's also hard working and hands on. Sometimes you get paired with people you have to carry so that the assignment is a success. This semestar has been overwhelming by the number of group assignments we were given for our modules.  I have spent ,my past two weeks chasing after contributions, making sure all the groups I am in have handed in on time and handed in quality work even though some members can be difficult at times. I have actually realised how much I enjoy doing my own personal assignments compared to groups.  Hopefully things slow down now as we near final assessment period. :) :) 

Hello Bloggers...... We are around the halfway mark and fatigue is kicking in but we strive and journey on.... 

ACTIVITIES WHERE WE CAN USE MUSIC TO FACILITATE GOALS.

• I can use music for routine transitions. 
• I can play music to set the tone for class. 
• I can use instrumental music to inspire writing.
• We can have fun and rewrite lyrics to a popular song in creative arts.
• Teach vocabulary with music for phonics and English classes. 
• Sing About Science.
• Make a Thunderstorm and weather noises. 
• Allow students to listen to music from historic eras to evaluate opposing viewpoints or perspectives on the times.
• Have student create their own songs to describe eras in history.
• songs about washing hands, songs about packing away, songs about tidying up, songs about standing in a line, This one is amazing for foundation phase. 
• Play calming music softly when learners are required to work individually.
• Encourage learners to write their own rhythmic patterns (composition) by using the names (syllables) of certain fruit/animals/vegetables (based on the theme). This way, you address outcomes in not only Life Skills but also Home Language and music.
• Play a song and ask learners to choreograph a dance which shows the meaning of the song. • Play a song and ask learners to draw a picture about the story (which they imagine) of the song.
• Draw attention to the relation between music and maths: Division and multiplication can easily be related to note values.
• When working with concepts such as rotation and revolution, learners can demonstrate their understanding of these concepts through movement.
• When learning about seasons, encourage learners to think about and mimic the sounds in nature. Make the sound of rain using the material in the classroom; make the sound of rain.

When learners learn about various textures and materials, also draw attention to the way in which texture and material influence the type of sound produced from objects (timbre). Use various materials in and around the classroom as found instruments and use them in a music composition (you can even call it “the sound of our school” for example).

VISUAL ARTS AND LIFESKILLS.........

Teachers apply arts integration strategies in their teaching have shown improved results with regards to learners’ mathematic, visual arts and life-skills. . When foundation phase teachers utilise the arts throughout their teaching, they provide learners with multiple modes for demonstrating their understanding of non-arts outcomes while accommodating various learning styles and needs. Arts integration can lead to transformative experiences for both teachers and learners while fostering creative and imaginative capacities of the teachers and the learners alike.

When learners are encouraged to demonstrate their understanding through the arts, we create teaching and learning environments in which individual learning needs and abilities are met. Ultimately, through arts integration, foundation phase learners will develop their problem solving and critical thinking skills through engagement in authentic learning activities which foster the ability to become aware of the various ways in which we are not only connected to each other but our world while drawing attention to the ways in which the various subjects in our curriculum are connected.

As always as i dived into this weeks unit I already it would be a lot of new information but I learnt more than i thought I would. Music isn't just a form of entertainment but also such a useful learning tool inside the classroom. 

Enjoy the Rest of your week!!!!! 

There is light at the end of the TUNNEL. This week has started off very productive for me. 

I needed to make up for all the time lost during last week where all the focus was on the funeral and death in the family.... This week we pick up the pieces and move on... Mommies progress depends on this degree. 

Now this weeks topic of play is one that is close to my heart as mom and as a Foundation teacher. Those that know my teaching methods understand why a good balance of hard work and play time is essential for the little ones. There is so much benefits to constructive play.

Going through the elements on a deeper level I got to learn more on the importance of play. 

• Play involves a state of mind and disposition
• Play contains elements of surprise and challenge
• Play involves a process, attitude, and structure
• Play is voluntary and unifying, forming part of the socialising process
• Play involves aesthetic quality judgement by participants
• Play creates informal space for socio-historical comment
• Play reinforces societal roles

These elements of play are something I should have on the wall in my class. They summarised very well the importance of play daily for my learners. They are so valuable. The little ones learn so much during play and one form of play I always include in my teaching is group work. For example if we are learning about shapes. At the end of the lesson there must be a fun practical we can do practically and a song to sing about those shapes and dance which I normally find on go noodle or starfall or youtube. There is lots of fun dancing and learning apps you can use if you have a smart board. 

There are alot of ways to include play in a lesson or in class. You can either add a group work task at the end of the lesson where they go do the task practically, they can do a fun activity on the smart board, they can dance and they can do board games, they can do clapping and concerntration games. In between lessons you can also add games which are inclusive and not too traditional so all the learners can take part as it boosts their confidence. 

How am I feeling?

WOW This semestar is really hectic for me as I have 11 modules and besides my studies. I have to be a teacher, a mom, a wife, a student, a business owner. I literally feel like I don't have any time to myself. I constantly have deadlines and I am working so hard. I really pray it all pays off.  

This week what has been inhibating my learning has been the time management between my modules, helping my son with his homework, helping my mom with her needs too. Balancing everything and everyone is a constant struggle but I am trying my best. I have had to cut out alot of relaxation time to cover up some efundi tests or do an assignment. I even missed the assignment  last week which was due because I had a funeral to attend and weekends is when I try catch up with work. since weekdays it was all about marking assessments. Atleast assessments are almost done and things will slow down at school. 

SU2 this week was very informative. It brought up elements which i need to concider myself when bringing in music into my class. Small things like making sure everyone is involved, the song choices are good for every religion and age, they are authentic and respectful. Learning the music elements was also interesting. 

The inclusivity in the foundation phase was the one concept that drew closest to me. The information I learnt there was informative. I saw how through music you can address the needs of all our learners including those with special needs. Now with schools being blended and inclusive. We are getting more and more learners with barriers. We need to know how to handle them. 

Yes this unit was very informative, I would probably say it had a lot of information to soak in at once but it was well executed. Very valuable content and very inclusive. 

Reflection:

So far I am learning to access information and find ways I can improve learning in my class. I am finding ways in which I can incorporate music and even learn the actual elements of what makes music. I am finding how the learners can benefit from it and how they can develop from it. We are also blessed we have music as a subject at the school I  work at and the music teacher is also very informed and teaches the children all about music and instruments. I realised to that even in my classes I can incorporate it not just with apps like Go Noodle and Starfall. 

Hello Everyone :) 

My name is Mbalenhle Bezuidenhout (Mbali for short) and I am from Durban. 

I was very lucky to marry my bestfriend of 11 years and have been married for 5 years now. We have two beautiful children who are our world and pride and joy.  I have a 5 year old boy who loves dinosaurs  and 2 year old princess. They keep mommy very busy. I am 32 years old and those that know me, know my family is everything to me. 

I have 2 passions in life teaching and decorating. During the week I enjoy teaching my Grade 1s and on weekends I  run my decorating company Rustic meets Glam Picnic Setups. I am a natural creative so that side of me is where I get to exercise my creativity. 

I wanted to teach foundation phase because I absolutely love the little ones innocence, I love teaching and been teaching them for 4 years now. The value and fulfillment I get when they start the year not being able to read and write and seeing how much we have accomplished end of the year is fulfilling. 

Excited about this module and looking forward to growing and learning more. I can expect to learn more things and meet amazing new classmates. Looking forward to the blogs, assignments and completing this module. 

Gooday

This is my first attempt at a blog entry so I am just getting a feel of loading an entry and finding my blog for future entries. Next entry will contain my first task. 

Mbali Bezuidenhout

0744469073