Study Unit 4 Arts integration in the foundation phase

Part 1

This semester had been less stressful and COVID did not take another relative of mine. I think with time everything heals and get better. I have learned a lot during these tough times.

Part 2

I totally agree with ( Silverstein & Layne,2010) that arts integration is an approach to teaching that  promotes an active engagement in teaching and learning activities, experiential learning, authentic learning activities, collaborative learning, problem-solving skills and reflection. Learners performed well in literacy, mathematics and life skills and because teaching and learning was done in a fun way, they were well behaved and eager to participate.

Part 3

For me art integration is definitely important in the foundation phase because this helps learners to learn through practical play and they discover and learn new concepts. I personally experienced more disciplined learners and they tent to achieve great academic results especially in Mathematics. They look forward to attend class and even parents will communicate with me how eager learners will do their homework and how they cannot wait for the next art class. I have found not just them but even me as a student educator is enjoying it. I recommended that my colleagues should try more art integrated lessons in their classrooms and they reported back only positive results.

Part 4

What did I find interesting in SU4 and why?

I found the art integration teaching and learning as a big plus because I started using it practically in my current classroom. Most of the learners performed very well in their exams. The class was more disciplined and they tend to listen more and talk less. The was very surprising for me because most of the foundation teachers told me it is just time wasting and learners will make a mess but I went full in with arts teaching and I will continue to do so in my future classroom.

Part 5

What I found challenging and why?

I found playing and instrument challenging. I used to play the piano and other musical instruments a very long time ago so I forgot how to play. I will definitely look into getting training.

Changing aspects in study unit 4 as a group?

All my group members come from the old model C schools so they are used to this kind of teaching and obvious they will not change a thing. As for me I come from a middle class school where we had limited but sufficient resources for arts integrated teaching. We all would want to incorporate study unit 4 in our classrooms one day and we would not change a thing.

Thanks

Rawat SBU