What are the most important aspects to keep in mind when planning a lesson?

The act of planning a lesson entails picturing the lesson before it occurs, prediction, anticipation, sequencing, organizing and simplifying are all part of this process. Teachers must make a variety of options when planning a lesson that are related to the following, the objectives to be met, the topic to be met. The people who will be taught, their backgrounds prior knowledge, age, interest. duties that will be provided, and the resources provided. I have also learned that when planning I have to think about my students and my teaching context first.

Value of utilizing arts integration and play in foundation phase lessons

I strongly believe integration of art into the curriculum for disciplines such as mathematics has been found to improve comprehension and retention as well as the development of creative problem solving skills. The art integration approach presents strategies that educators have long recognized.

Through art we can develop teaching and learning settings in which individuals learning needs are encouraged to exhibit their understanding. we can also construct teaching and learning activities that are inclusive and allows different ways to engage with and new knowledge and skills. students have the chance to not only study in a safe collaborating social setting, but also to demonstrate their understanding in a variety of ways.

Has my perception and priorities with regard to lesson planning and the inclusion of music throughout my teaching changed?

Yes I have gained so much insight, I have realized that a well thought lesson will organically evolve from lower to higher order thinking levels. in the beginning learners must be encouraged to engaged in free play, movement and imitation activities(bloom level 1-2), learners must explore and reflect ( bloom levels 3-5) finally in the final phase learners use the arts to communicate their understanding by making and presenting an artwork, musical performance ( bloom level 6).

I have learned that when arranging music sessions, I have to think about how my teaching and learning activities will fit in my students diverse needs and skills. I  must develop a teaching and learning environment in which all students feel welcomed, appreciated and as though they are part of something bigger. I must also create teaching and learning activities that take into account my students diverse learning styles and musical preferences as well as their social cultural backgrounds.