Part 1

This week has been good, finally on holiday so this will give me some extra time for my studies. I am excited to finish as much as possible now that I can just focus on university work; hopefully I can get a lot done so my workload is less once the fourth term starts. Hope you are all well and studying hard. We have planned a trip to Cape Town for the holidays, so that is going to be a challenge juggling leisure and study time; but like they say, 'no rest for the wicked'. Good luck with all your assignments and projects, I hope you guys have submitted most of your stuff that is due before efundi is under maintenance.

Part 2

This was a very interesting study unit; I was intrigued by how using arts integration can benefit the learners in so many aspects and levels, knowing that when using or incorporating arts integration one must make sure to integrate two or even more subjects in a flowing manner. Arts integration allows learners to grasp concepts and knowledge in a more creative manner which in return ensures that learners use prior knowledge gained to understand new concepts being taught, because they find it more interesting and hands on than the theoretical or 'normal' teaching style.

The element that was most significant to me was Van Vreden's theoretical framework for the integration of music in the FP; especially the fact that this was developed for the South African schooling system, I am happy to see that we are progressing when it comes to the arts and culture in our curriculum. I found it interesting how one can integrate music in different ways. This knowledge I have obtained will help me in my career as a FP teacher. This was a very insightful unit and it just intrigues me even more to find out what this module has to offer.

Part 3

1. First of all, everyone has their own opinion and way of thinking; how you change people’s minds is very important. I would most definitely disagree with that statement and briefly name the benefits of arts integration in the FP. The main benefit of arts integration is that students are able to express themselves more freely, they are more passionate about their learning and they engage using more aspects than only the mind. Arts integration also allows all students from different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs to participate at an even playing field, this in return improves confidence and children become prouder of themselves and achieve more for themselves than just the 'standard' way of learning and teaching.

2. I found the research supporting arts integration very interesting; how this concept not only improves children in the academical aspect but improves their lives in a holistic manner. Not only does arts integration stimulate and improve reading, literacy and writing skills but also improves the cognitive developmental skills which are extremely important. This allows all learners to become the best they can be and allows everyone to have equal opportunity; this is very important for me because a child is supposed to enjoy learning experiences, and this is the best way to do so.

I found the different techniques and strategies very challenging; I am not well-versed regarding arts integration in the classroom and FP; but I want to improve my skills in this specific concept because I find that this will only improve the cognitive growth and emotional development of my children in my class.

This has been my favourite unit thus far and I cannot wait to get started next term using what I have learnt; there are so many ideas swimming around in my head and hopefully I can change the minds of my colleagues and they too can be as excited about arts integration as I am.