Wow...this last stretch has been hectic. I feel as though I've been slacking off, although I've been getting good marks for 95% of my tests and assignments I feel that other 5% is just going to tear me down.

 

Anyways, this module has been interesting. At times I felt as though I was not doing great and my understanding was off, but it is what it is...cannot go back and change things. 

I have learned a lot about music and how to use it in the classroom and how infuse music with other subjects. The individual reflections helped with seeing if I actually understand what the study units are about or if I'd need to revisit them in order to get a better understanding. It also made me think about the why's and how's of music in the classroom.

Overall, this module was pretty easy, I did not find any particularly challenging. Yes the reflections were meaningful as I mentioned above, it helped me see if I understood the content or not. I would not really change anything about this module, it was insightful and had a lot of information that was easy to understand.

Everything that was learned in this module was interesting and insightful, it made me aware of how important music in the classroom is and how beneficial it can be for the learners. I would not change anything.

Hello there, 

 

My week has been going well so far, I just got over having the cold. My job is going well, the little children are keeping me very busy...however I wish I didn't have my au pairing job anymore...sjoe its tiring to go from one job to another, but next year I take on a full time role at the nursey school.

Anyways...back to the study unit

In regards to the scenario the HOD clearly does not understand the importance that music and arts has in the learning development of children and thus does not see a need to assess if learners are progressing in their performing arts.

Music and art is beneficial to learners are it creates a safe, fun and welcoming environment where learners do not feel judged in any way. Music and art can be incorporated with other subjects to enhance the lessons and make them more fun and interesting for the learners. Assessment needs to take place in order for teachers to see the progress of the learners and to ensure that they understand and have grasped the skill/knowledge that was taught. Continuously assessing the learners in performing arts is one of the best ways to go about assessing learners as formal assessments can cause anxiety to the learners and they will not perform authentically. The teacher needs to be aware of how the learners follow instructions, answer questions and adjust their teaching strategies accordingly.

Hi there ​

So let's start off with my week has been okay, went for a job interview...was sure I got it and had no reply since the last email...YAY! Honestly I give up looking for a job as a teacher for now because finding one is beyond impossible.

 

UPDATE: I got the job!!

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Anyways, If someone had to tell me that integration arts into foundation phase is a waste of time, they clearly don't know how to have fun while learning nor do they know the importance of art. Art allows learners to express themselves without any judgment, it allows them to learn while having fun and it also keeps them entertained. Art is a great tool to use in teaching new skills to learners of the foundation phase as it can be paired with any other subject and activities  can be prepared. Integrating arts into other subjects also allows the learners to learn at his/her own level and their needs and abilities are met. 

I like the activities that are included into the study unit, as it gives me an idea of what activities I can include and use in my future classroom.  Seeing the value that art bring to learners when it is integrated into other subjects is very useful and gives a great understanding as to how the learners can benefit from this. 

In this study unit I did not really find anything challenging as it was well explained and I clearly understand the concept of arts integration. 

So far my studies have been going well, I am getting good marks and I am on track with everything. Although I do feel very overwhelmed as I just feel like there is SO much work to do in such a short amount of time. I am slowly learning more and more about child development, music, vocabulary and so much more. I have to say that MFPC is my least favourite module..I am so bad at maths, my brain starts frying.

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The two learners may have felt uncomfortable due to the fact that the Zulu language and culture is not something that they are familiar with and do not understand the context of the song. It can be frustrating for learners when they are not do not understand the context or meaning of an activity they must participate in. Another reasons could be due to religious beliefs or culturally beliefs that have been passed down by parents, also not allowing children to participate in various cultures thus create a barrier of unfamiliarity, discomfort and possibly disrespect.

The boy was uncomfortable about participating in the Zulu games because he did not understand what the words meant or the meaning behind the song. The girl was uncomfortable because she had to participate in the dancing game in which she had to dance in front of the boys which she felt uncomfortable doing due to her religious beliefs.

When using another language in the classroom that not all learners may understand, the teacher should explain the meaning being the song and also translate the song so that all the learners are aware of what they are singing. If learners feel uncomfortable they have the right not to participate and should not be forced. The teacher should incorporate different languages and different cultures into the classroom in order to fulfil each learner’s needs and interests. As a teacher, I would always explain to my learners the purpose of an activity or game and also translate anything that needs to be translated to ensure my learners know what is going on in the classroom and understand what I am teaching them.

Teachers can accommodate their learners by incorporating different languages and cultural dance or music in lessons. However, the activities that are chosen must be appropriate for the learners’.

Hi there,

I had a lovely weekend, I went away to Kloppenheim and got to go horse-riding again. Which I haven't done in years. Otherwise, the past two days have been a bit stressful with trying to sort out the vaccine for COVID. I am getting mine next week Tuesday...finally!

Studying-wise, I am doing well...I am on track with everything and slowly doing my assignments. My maths module has been a pain because I am so bad at geometry.

As I continue to learn, group work is very hard when people do not do their share of the work and do not communicate with you, and then being the group leader you have to kind of push them a bit, and people being people do not like that so I am a bit worried that my peer markers are going to be harsh on me. 

Otherwise, I have learned more about music and the elements behind the music.  I also realized how I can complete assignment 1 for this module.

Learning about music can be of great value for when I become a teacher. Then I can use what I have learned and choose appropriate songs that cater for my learners; needs and interests. 

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I believe foundation phase teachers should incorporate all types of music which includes indigenous African music, Western Art music and contemporary commercials, Teachers should not only choose one. Using different types of music will help learners stay engaged and also give them an opportunity to learn how to respect other cultures music. Utilising different music styles can also allow learners to enjoy different types of music and can expand their language vocabulary. It could also be fun for the learners to learn new music and dances.

Yes, SU2 incorporated different types of music which include western art music and indigenous African music. There are songs that are English and there are songs that I believe are Zulu or other African languages. 

The content could be more inclusive by teaching more than just westernized and African music. The teacher can involve other cultures music and dancing. As mentioned before, incorporate other music can be a fun and exciting experience for learners but it will also help them understand to be respectful of the cultures. 

This week has been decent. I was on holiday but I start again tomorrow…fun! IT has been frustrating as my partner and I moved into our new place but we are struggling so much just to get our wifi/fiber up and running. So we have been using data which is SO expensive!  Nothing has really inhibited my learning thus far, besides the data/wifi crisis which does make it a lot more difficult. Otherwise, I believe I am on a good roll with regards to my studies.

I do not have a lot of confidence in teaching music through movement, as I have not one musical bone in my body. I love music and I do believe that it has a great impact on children and their learning but because I lack the skills and knowledge in order to teach music, it makes it difficult for me to actually incorporate music into lessons.

Explain your understanding of Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development.

The ZPD is the difference between what a child cannot do without someones helps and what a child can do by themselves. The ZPD is the area in which a child can do something with the aid of an adult/teacher. 

Summarise the most important aspects of the learning theories of Erikson, Piaget and Vygotsky for your teaching practice as a foundation phase teacher.

Erikson - Teachers need to know that building a strong relationship with the learners and allowing learners to build strong relationships with each other is very important. Having strong relationships with one another can help learners feel safe, valued, supported and cared for. 

Piaget - Children learn by interacting with the world around them and then will then build new knowledge-based off on the knowledge they had already.

Vygotsky - A child social environment plays an important role in their learning abilities. Children learn through influence and adults use these influences to teach the children. Adults and peers have a great influence on a child cognitive development. 

Why is it important to have basic knowledge about the musical development of foundation phase learners?

I think it is important to have basic knowledge about music in order to select the appropriate music activities and teaching strategies that will cater to the learners' needs and interests. 

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In order to help children with Holistic Development, I believe music can be beneficial as it can heal the soul, soothes the mind and can contribute to physical education when dancing along to a song. According to Martin (2020) Music education has numerous advantages that are extremely beneficial to children.

Music has a good impact on a child's academic performance, aids in the development of social skills, and gives a creative outlet that is important for a child's growth. Music education promotes a child's experience to new levels, and as a result, it should be considered an essential part of a child's learning process at all times(Martin, 2020)

Music aids in the coordination of the body and mind. Children who are exposed to music early in life are better able to learn the sounds and meanings of words. Children can improve their motor skills while also practicing self-expression by dancing to music. Music can help you remember things better (Anonymous, n.d.).

Resources/References

Anonymous. (n.d.). CHILDREN AND MUSIC: BENEFITS OF MUSIC IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT. Available: https://www.brighthorizons.com/family-resources/music-and-children-rhythm-meets-child-development#:~:text=It%20helps%20the%20body%20and,music%20helps%20strengthen%20memory%20skills.. Last accessed 15th August 2021.

Martin, A. (2020). The Importance of Music Education in Schools. Available: https://www.graduateprogram.org/2020/08/the-importance-of-music-education-in-schools/. Last accessed 15th August 2021.

Hi everyone,

My name is Michaela Kieswetter. I am from Brakpan but recently moved to Johannesburg with my partner. I currently work as an au pair but really hope to find a school that will accept me. 

I want to become a teacher, because I would love to help grow little minds and help them find their way in this life. My mom is also a teacher and that plays a big role as to why I want to become a teacher as well.

I worked as a grade 3 teacher in the beginning of the year, and I really miss my children. They brought me so much happiness, especially when I got to do creative activities with them, as it brings them so much joy.

I look forward to learning about music, as I am no where near musical, but have learned already how integrating music into the classroom can be beneficial to the learners. 

I also hope to do a lot better in this module than last semester.