Study unit 5: lesson planning

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECTS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN PLANNING FOUNDATION PHASE LESSONS? 

1) Know who your students are. Knowability levels; backgrounds; interest levels; attention spans; ability to work together in groups; prior knowledge and learning experiences; special needs or accommodations; and learning preferences. This may not happen as quickly as you would like, but it is important for designing instruction that will meet the needs of your students. That's key to successful teaching and learning!

2) Know your content. It is important for you to research the subject matter that you will be teaching. You should also utilize curriculum guides published by the state in which you teach and the local school district that employs you. It is also a good idea to know the national standards and state standards that drive the curriculum in each subject area that you are responsible for. You can visit websites that are devoted to curriculum frameworks and that will give you a lot of information relative to your subject area. TeAch-nology.com has many links that will help you to search for information relative to the subject matter you are employed to teach

What is your opinion about the value of utilizing arts integration and play in foundation phase lessons?

Arts integration and play are extremely important for the development of social and creative thinking skills. Learners can have fun while learning and demonstrate their understanding in a practical setting

3. Have your perception and priorities with regards to lesson planning & inclusion of music (and the arts) throughout your teaching & learning in the foundation phase changed?

Yes, it allows learners to use art to demonstrate their understanding of the subject. Integrating music and art into the Foundation phase encourages learners to be actively engaged in the lesson while also assisting in the development of social and creative thinking skills. The use of music in the classroom increases learners' eagerness to learn.