FINAL BLOG

WOW! What a hectic semester we had. But it is coming to an end and with only a few submissions left from other modules, the year is almost over. We had another hectic year, with the pandemic still glooming around us. Yet I am grateful that our academics were not halted during this difficult time.

                                                             

At the beginning of the semester, LSKM was the module I looked forward to because I saw it was focusing on music. Only to realize that music actually has a lot of concept encompassed within itself. It is complex and needs a lot of time to understand especially the written notes. I was confident at the beginning, but soon realized that I still have a lot to learn. Integrating art, specifically music into teaching and learning is not an easy task. That I realized as I was busy with assignments that it is not easy at all.

Our individual reflections helped. One is able to discover how well they have understood the content of each study unit. Also helps one to look into the work better if it turns out that they do not understand certain things in the work.

Having to balance all the work from all the other modules has been a challenge for me. LSKM 221 on its own is not too much work, especially if one reads through the content with understanding. But balancing has been an issue for me. Being home and having chores to do, the kids? It’s a challenge but I am thankful that I was able to complete my work and submit on time, regardless.

The blog experience was an amazing one. Therefore I see no reason to change that aspect of LSKM 221 or change any other aspect about the module.

The learning materials provided and extra resources we enough to help guide us, though online learning is not the same as contact lessons. We are expected to read and understand the work ourselves, it can never be the same as having a lecturer stand in front of you and explain what one does not understand.

What I struggled with was integrating some concepts into a lesson

I have found that everything I have learnt from LSKM 221 is valuable for my future as a foundation phase teacher. Working with children is amazing. I have always been intrigued by how children learn everything that they are taught so quickly. LSKM 221 has taught me that music also plays a role in the development of a child. At the beginning I did not realize that, until I did LSKM 221. Thanks to our lecturer who has been patient with us and never giving up on us to ensure that we pass the module.

This had indeed been a wonderful experience!!!!

The reason that assessment for arts integration is not taken to consideration is because it is not considered as a form of teaching and learning. The minute it is considered as a form and strategy of teaching and learning, the assessment part thereof, will be taken into consideration.

Art can be assessed on its own and as an integrated part of the subject. But it is not assessed and it is of great concern as to why it is not assessed. Arts integration is a strategy and to see whether the strategy has worked and it has achieved its purpose, learners need to be assessed. It will be good to diagnose the problem early, should any problem arise. Therefore, arts integration assessment is critical as well.

 

1. Arts integration is a part of how we explore the child as a holistic being. Arts integration has its fundamentals which can sometimes focus on one aspect or even more at a time. Some of the aspects that art integration can enhance in children are aspects such as motor skills, social skills, decision making and being creative. Being creative also comes with risk-taking because if one does not take risks, they will not know what the end results will be.

There are different types of arts, which all have different contributions to the development of the child. There are learners who tend to have difficulties engaging in a traditional class, in a traditional manner. But these learners somehow become alive when there is an integration of art, be it music or visual. Children learn through play, as we all know. And arts integration is also a form of play but learners are collecting, storing and sharing the information they have gathered through the arts integration. Most importantly, it develops the child HOLISTICALLY!

Interesting

2. What I found interesting was how music can be integrated into a subject, not just routine. It can also be used as a class management strategy. To me classroom management is very important especially discipline.

Challenge

1. Arts integration is a part of how we explore the child as a holistic being. Arts integration has its fundamentals which can sometimes focus on one aspect or even more at a time. Some of the aspects that art integration can enhance in children are aspects such as motor skills, social skills, decision making and being creative. Being creative also comes with risk-taking because if one does not take risks, they will not know what the end results will be.

There are different types of arts, which all have different contributions to the development of the child. There are learners who tend to have difficulties engaging in a traditional class, in a traditional manner. But these learners somehow become alive when there is an integration of art, be it music or visual. Children learn through play, as we all know. And arts integration is also a form of play but learners are collecting, storing and sharing the information they have gathered through the arts integration. Most importantly, it develops the child HOLISTICALLY!

Interesting

2. What I found interesting was how music can be integrated into a subject, not just routine. It can also be used as a class management strategy. To me classroom management is very important especially discipline.

Challenge

What I found challenging was understanding how to integrate music in mathematics especially for foundation phase. Their maths is not that complex, but which they reach grade 3, it becomes more complex to suit their grade and their age. Therefore finding the appropriate music for calculations or sums that they do is what I feel is a challenge.

What I found challenging was understanding how to integrate music in mathematics especially for foundation phase. Their maths is not that complex, but which they reach grade 3, it becomes more complex to suit their grade and their age. Therefore finding the appropriate music for calculations or sums that they do is what I feel is a challenge.

In terms of this scenario, the learners did not feel comfortable because of the language barrier and religious barriers as well. The learners did not know how to behave because for the boy, the language that was being used he did not understand. for the girl, it is not appropriate in her religion to dance in front of boys. What was happening in class was not a part of their daily routines and contradicted what they were taught at home.

In the future, before proceeding with a song of a language that is not the medium of instruction in the school, translate it and explain to the whole class what the song is about and how you are going to move to the song. Explain and demonstrate everything.

To avoid such situations in future, ensure that as a teacher you research about the different dynamics in your class. Cultures, Religion, language, to ensure that the material you are going to prepare is inclusive for all learners.

1. I will choose indigenous African music because it has more steady beats as well as rhythm. It will resonates with, if not all, the learners in my class. But it is always crucial to ensure that inclusivity is practiced and adhered to at all times, otherwise we will have learners who feel left out and not a part of the class.

2. The examples provided in Study Unit 2 are inclusive. Inclusivity does not only refer to age-appropriate material, but also diversity in terms of race, culture as well as religion. All the learners must feel like they are part of the class. That way they will not even hesitate to participate in activities with confidence. The material provided here cover different languages, meaning that aspect is taken care of. 

This has been a rather hectic week for me, generally and with regards to my studies. But nothing has hindered me from completing whatever task I had to complete.

Working through this study unit, well a lot has been brought to light. I have always known that music somehow plays a role in a child's development. But little did I know that it did not affect a certain portion of a child's development, but rather the holistic development of a child. I could have never thought that music can actually help develop a child's cognitive ability. I have also gathered that Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, Piaget's cognitive development theory and Vygotsky's zone of proximal development work hand in hand to ensure the holistic development of a child.

There are stages to a child's development and it is of importance that those stages are taken into consideration when teaching or incorporating music education.

When it comes to incorporating music education, I have no doubt that I will be able to pull it off. Not because I have a singing talent (LAUGHS) but because there is also passion for the art of music and children. Teaching music through movement will also not be a mountain to climb, because music says to us: "MOVE". Therefore if I had choose between physical activities and incorporating music education, I will, with no doubt choose music education. It will involve movement as well, thus improving physical development. Even when beating drums, they will be developing their gross and motor skills. The emotional development will happen when they listen to music and get in touch with the sound and are able to feel what the music intended them to feel. They will also be able to be sensitive towards the feelings of peers and others.

As I conclude this entry, I would like to say music is an important aspect not only for the development of children, but it can also serve as an aspect that helps to balance their lives as well as allowing them to express themselves and their creative abilities.

Till next time.