Wow what a semester it has been…. I don’t know who else is working this time of night… or well morning… but this semester has not been easy for me… if I could show you a happy dance, I would… HAHAHA

It felt like I have been dragging behind ever since it started. BUT on a lighter note… this is by far my most favourite subject!!! When we first started with this subject I felt a bit unsure. Thought it would only contain music, but it was so much more. I fell a bit behind on my blogs but I thoroughly enjoyed the assignments SOOOO much!!! I cant wait to incorporate this more into my lessons moving forward as a foundation phase teacher.

What did you learn from your individual reflections?

This forced me to reflect on what I am learning/ reading and highlighted the parts useful which I can incorporate in my teaching.

What did you find challenging?

I found it very difficult to set aside time to blog. Naturally I am not a very good writer and I find it difficult to word what I am thinking.

Did you find the individual reflections meaningful? Please motivate your answer.

I found the reflections very meaningful. It opened my eyes to possible challenges we might face when we start to teach. Even problems that might pop out that needs to be addressed. It made me realize that this is so important and that I should make effort to incorporate as much art as needed to develop holistic learners.

What would you change if you had the opportunity in future?

Maybe different ways to reflect. Blogs were a good idea but like I said, I am not a good writer. It would have been easier for me to maybe make a poster about a certain unit and then write a small paragraph about my learning experience. Basically using different forms of are to reflect on the learning process…. Don’t know if that makes sense though…

What did you find interesting and meaningful?

My favourite study unit was 4. I enjoyed this so much. Just realizing the benefits and value of the arts in the foundation phase.

What challenged you, and what do you still struggle to understand?

The last unit challenged me a lot because like I said I find it difficult to address problems, especially if it entails speaking to people up on the ladder. I would like to have more information regarding this.  What would be the proper steps to address this issue. I believe in most schools teachers do not assess the arts because of their workload and a overall feeling of being overwhelmed by the current curriculum.

What didn’t you find valuable for your future teaching practice?

I cant answer this because everything was so very valuable to me!!!

This unit was difficult for me. I am not a strong advocator and find it difficult to stand up for certain causes. Especially if it means Speaking to the people higher up on the ladder… J if that makes any sense….

What could the possible reasons be that assessment is neglected in Performing Arts and Music in the Foundation Phase?

There might be a few answers to this questions but i am going to address a few I think might be why assessment in the arts are neglected in the foundation phase…

• In most schools, music is seen as an extra curricular activity and not considered to be a subject.
• Parents do not want their children to focus on music but to rather have them focussed on academic subjects.
• The teachers might not know how, they are not fully equipped and do not understand the importance of arts and its assessment thereof.
• Teachers might be overwhelmed by their current workload and feel that it would add to(make more work), and cause more stress.

Please explain how you would advocate for and heighten awareness about the importance of assessment when speaking with your HOD about your concerns in this regard.

It is very important to address this and to not continue for it to be neglected. Setting up a meeting to with the HOD to hear why assessments are not being done. It is also important to talk about ideas of how it can be incorporated and addressed. Firstly start with explaining the benefits of incorporating art in the foundation phase and the assessment thereof. Then educating and training the foundation phase teachers so that they are equipped to do so in their classrooms. Fun performances and exhibitions can be held with the learners where the parents can become aware of the great benefits of music in the foundation phase.

Now I am finished with all of the Study units.... Only my final blog!! See you there!!!

Still continuing this steam train…. I am on a roll and hoping to finish my blogs tonight!!! I find these topics so SUPER interesting!!! Hope you do to???

Teachers listen up…..

To intergrade arts in the foundation phase or to not integrate art in the foundation phase…. This immediately makes me think about the left brain, right brain study… I am naturally a right brain person, very artistic and I love everything creative.

I can see how left brain teachers might struggle or might feel that it’s a waste of time to integrate arts into the foundation phase education. BUT I would love to share what I have found when arts are integrated into your lessons….

According to the Art and Music Centre there are 10 reasons why learners need the arts in lessons….

1. Young brains are boosted by music
2. Academic achievements are improved when doing art
3. Memory can be improved by music
4. Creativity of the learners are enhanced by music and art
5. Music can help the development of needed social skills
6. Language and reading skills are improved by art and music
7. Critical thinking skills are enhanced by doing music and art.
8. Confidence of the learner is built
9. Cultural and personal connections are being made when exposed to music and art.
10. Discipline are instilled in learners

When you here about these benefits, why would you even choose to not incorporate the arts into your lessons. It might take a little bit of extra planning but if your goal is to develop holistic learners, then take the time to incorporate the arts in the foundation phase classroom.

What did you find interesting? Please explain why.

The value of incorporating arts in the foundation phase. Also that the caps are actually written in a way which encourage us as teachers to draw links between the different subjects and integrating the different subjects with each other. When we do so learners are developed holistically and creativity and imagination are fostered within them and the ideal learning environment are created.

What did you find challenging? Please explain why.

As I said I am a right brain person, naturally artistic and creative. This study unit is by far my favourite. Just to know that the importance of arts in the foundation phase is eye opening!!!

See you in the nest Post!!

 

Taking a deep breath and remembering to have grace on myself… I have postponed these blogs for way to long and each time when I open the computer I feel to guilty all over again.

Tonight a friend who I met through studying through NWU asked if I had done my final blog and I had to confess that I am WAY BEHIND!!! Shucks… But here I go. Somehow to just tell someone lifted the weight off my shoulders and I feel ready to tackle these blogs.

What possibly made some learners uncomfortable during these activities?

The fact that they did not understand the language and because it was not explained in the beginning. And also the learners might have been shy because it was expected of them to dance in front of the others.

Why were some learners uncomfortable?

The learners were not familiar with the music and simply did not know what the expectation was. They were uncomfortable to dance to this type of music.

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

I will choose music that are more inclusive and takes in consideration the different backgrounds and context of the learners. When I would choose songs that they might not know or are in a different language I would firstly explain the song and why I choose this particular song for them.

Also I would make my groups much smaller. Making it more comfortable for children to express themselves and to not feel overwhelmed by everyone looking at them.

How can we accommodate diverse learner profiles in our classrooms? What must we beware of?

I would try my best to make my lesson inclusive. To be sensitive to the diverse cultures in my classroom. I would incorporate weekly discussions, activity and games where they can participate together. To teach them about different cultures, I would let them have a culture week where we can dress up like different countries and discuss that. This gives the learners the opportunity to learn from each other.

Study Unit 2

 Part 1: How are you feeling; how has your week been? – In general or just with regard to your studies.

This week has been SUPER HECTIC!!! I am still struggling to adjust to small town life and to be honest, I REALLY miss my mom! A mom just has a way to comfort you and have you believe that everything will work out for the good… BUT I am pushing through and giving everything I got towards my studies and pursuing my degree.

What inhibited your learning this week? Would you care to elaborate?

My husband which is a very hands on dad and a SUPER partner fell sick. So most of the household chores and kids duties fell on me. Seriously do not know how single moms survive!! HATS OFF to any single mom reading this!!! YOU’VE GOT THIS!!!

Part 2: What new things did you become aware of when working through this study unit’s content? What concept/element/idea was most significant for you in this study unit?

I feel there are soooooo many GOOOOOD parts in this study unit. I enjoyed working through the different approaches and would like to highlight Reggio Emilia approach.  I like the way this approach draws attention to the child’s potential, their creativity and innate curiosity. AND then also the where they speak about how movement activities contributes to a HOLISTIC development. The foundation of children’s play is MOVEMENT and also how each child experience their world.

Part 3: What is your opinion about the value of the content of this study unit for your teaching practise?

Using music to teach can be so valuable in the classroom. It can help me as a teacher to address the unique needs of my learners through encouraging them to connect and use their senses when engaging with music. Therefor I also believe that it is very important to choose age appropriate music and also fits their frame of reference.

Individual reflection

 As a Foundation Phase teacher, you have to choose between utilising indigenous African music, Western Art music or contemporary commercial music (including popular music and film music) in your classes. Which would you choose? Please motivate your answer.

I would use all genres. I believe that as long as the music is age appropriate it can make any lesson fun.

Do you think that the examples and content offered in SU 2 are inclusive? Please motivate your answer.

I enjoyed this Unit so much! Definitely inclusive! The content was spot on and also all the examples and links provided made it very interesting!!!

What suggestions do you have for making the content more inclusive? Please provide examples of how the content and activities presented in SU 2 could be changed or adapted to be more inclusive.

Same as above. I enjoyed this Unit so much! Definitely inclusive! The content was spot on and also all the examples and links provided made it very interesting!!!

Study Unit 1 

How are you feeling; how has your week been? – In general or just with regard to your studies. What inhibited your learning this week? Would you care to elaborate?

I fell behind on my blogging. Finding my feet in a new town is very daunting. I survived though and made a comeback!!! Can’t wait to finish strong!!!

if you as a teacher had a option to incorporate music education or physical education in the foundation phase, WHAT WOULD IT BE? this really had me thinking. Both seem very important at first but then I started thinking, what will add to the holistic development of each learner? 

I think then we have to measure the 2 in terms of advantages and disadvantages. Both have advantages but I believe Music education is definitely more relevant in the foundation phase classroom. No child have to feel left out because of any physical disabilities. but instead the whole classroom can join in and feel part of this method of education. 

My name is Ilze, married to my best friend Jp de Jager and I am a mommy to two beautiful kiddos, Olivia (5) and William (4). I was born and raised in Bloemfontein (Free State) but relocated to Christiana (North West) last week. :) 

Driven by my love for children and working in the Children's ministry for 5 years, I opened a daycare in 2018. i soon realized that I needed "more" to develop each child to their full potential. I am very passionate about learning and seeing children developing new skills.

I love being creative and passionate about anything related to crafts. Also LOVE BAKING!

Honestly felt a bit overwhelmed with this subject, I am a uncertain to teach music to children. BUT definitely have a expectation to learn. :)