Part 1

This was a challenging week for me. Finally I went for my vaccination. Luckily I didn’t get sick. My kids was also writing tests and playing hockey games. At least I could watch the game through the fence. I am still on time with my modules and plan ahead.

Part 2

I really enjoyed Study Unit 3. To learn about the importance of play with regards to holistic development.  I also became aware of how important it is to include culturally diverse songs and literature within your classroom. When children play they learn to play and work together and to use their imagination. I remember playing school-school with my dolls and I am the teacher.

Part 3

In study unit 3 I learned a lot of information which I can use to teach children musical play. Also what is the value of musical play within the foundation phase. It was very interesting learning about the different music games that you can play with the kids.

What possibly made some learners uncomfortable during these activities?

Some learners were uncomfortable during these activities and one of the reasons was home languages ​​because learners immediately feel excluded when they sing the song, for example, and it is not in his own language. They do not have the confidence to sing the song and also do not understand what they are singing. The learner who feels uncomfortable because her cultural backgrounds and religious beliefs are different from the other learners also makes her feel excluded because it is not right in what she believes and was raised.

Why were some learners uncomfortable?

One learner felt excluded as he didn’t understand the meaning of the words in the Zulu song. A girl felt uncomfortable dancing in front of the boys to house music due to religious reasons.

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

It will help if one interprets the song and tells what the song is about that the learner should not perform due to his home languages. One must have respect for everyone's cultural backgrounds and religious beliefs. If the learner feels uncomfortable dancing in front of the boys then rather give her the drums to play or any other musical instrument so that she does not have to dance.

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

Teaching of learners with diverse needs can be a challenge to most of the teachers. It is evident that the teaching of learners with diverse needs requires teachers with specific knowledge and skills to enable them to identify and help learners, thus cultivating a positive attitude and willingness to accept them in class and assist them. Create an environment and learning experiences with flexibility for each student to feel welcome. The most important thing a teacher must beware of is assumption do not just assume based on your own understanding and knowledge that the content will be fine and relatable. Let no one feel excluded.

Hi Elmien, I honestly admire how you manage everything.
I agree with your take on study unit 3. Learners should not be excluded from activities for begin introverted or uncomfortable. I think music is also a way to boost a learners confidence and a new way to develop a future hobby. I also believe that the purpose of multicultural literature is providing students with an opportunity to better understand both their own culture and that of others. Students from diverse cultural backgrounds can strengthen their bonds as a result of this deeper knowledge.

Can't wait to read your other blogs!