I cannot believe this is the "middle" study unit, which means we're already half way! Just two more to go, then a lifetime of being a hopeful, successful and knowledgeable teacher...

Musical play in the foundation phase:

Analysing the scenario by using the following prompts...

1. What possibly made some learners uncomfortable during these activities?

Firstly, listening to a song of which some learners do not understand a single word would make anyone uncomfortable, because it keeps leaving you unsure, because you never even know if a swear word is used or what the song is about. Secondly, the awkwardness of making a circle and being forced to one-by-one, dance in the middle of this circle is uncomfortable for anyone, I am 22 years old, and I still would not do that, so the fact that it was required as part of the lesson would've made me uncomfortable for example, but some learners might have loved it, if they have a love for dance. Thirdly, listening to songs that are against your religion or culture would make a person uncomfortable as well, I know this is always a lose-lose situation, because there probably isn't a single song that covers absolutely everyone's religions and cultures, but it could still make it an uncomfortable situation. 

2. Why were some learners uncomfortable?

A boy was uncomfortable because he did not understand any of the words in the Zulu (first) song. Another learner, but this time a girl, was uncomfortable with the fact that she had to dance in front of the boys, and to house music (the second song), because it's not acceptable with her religion, and her words were "due to religious reasons" it made her uncomfortable, so if these learners were the only two to speak up, there were most likely more learners uncomfortable for these same reasons and maybe other reasons as well.

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

If I personally had to change these issues, I would firstly choose a song or songs that are more in the range of pop (the genre), and something in English, as by Grade 2, learners are supposed to all be able to understand English at least. Then I would change the second game of dancing in the middle, and make sure to never put someone on the spot like that, or if I do keep the same game (which I doubt), I would talk to the learners first and make sure everyone is comfortable with it, and if they are not, then they can sit it out, or just not move to the middle, or the game will be changed, depending on how many uncomfortable (with the activity) learners there are.

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

We can always make turns, and give every learner in the class the opportunity to pick their favourite song, if the teacher deems it appropriate, it can be played, if not, they get the opportunity to choose a different song. This way, all learners will have their chance to bring in their choice of culture or religion or just a popular song into the mixture of the classroom. We do however need to be aware of the fact that none of the songs can offend another learner's culture or religion, that is why I mentioned that the teacher needs to "approve" or "decline" the song request deeming it be appropriate or not.