Unit 4

Good day future teachers...

Oh boy oh boy… Is it just me or can this year just come to an end!  We live in an era where the expectations are so high of young people that sometimes I find myself drowning in my own responsibilities. To be honest it is even affecting my mental and physical health. I did come to the realisation that no one is going to take care of me - only I can make that decision to look after myself. But enough about struggles, I am still thankful for this life I was given - every day is a blessing.   

What is your opinion about the value of the content of this study unit for your teaching practise?

I learned some valuable information during this study unit; I did not realise that through arts integration - foundation phase learners will develop problem solving and critical thinking skills.

Some people might say that arts integration is a waste of time in Foundation Phase education. Please explain how you would respond to such a statement by explaining your view on arts integration in the Foundation Phase.

“Some people” are uneducated. No relevant research can support this statement, art integration is not optional especially in the foundation phase. It has even been found that art integration improved results with regards to learners’ mathematic performance as well as decreased disciplinary challenges. I read a report by “Americans for the Arts” that states that learners who participate in the arts regularly are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement than children who do not participate. Despite that - learners love to participate in these activities and it would be unfair to withhold them from these experiences. Art instruction helps children with the development of fine motor skills, language skills, social skills, decision-making, risk-taking and inventiveness - therefore I say art integration must be mandatory in every school.

Which aspects of study unit 4 did you find the most interesting and challenging?  Please use the following prompts to reflect on your experience:

What did you find interesting? Please explain why.

What was interesting for me is how art integration can affect other subjects like mathematics if not integrated. The amount of research that support this statement was remarkable.

What did you find challenging? Please explain why.

The content of study unit 4 was put together in such a manner that I could understand all the concepts discussed and not only that but also how to take what I learned to a practical manner. I thoroughly enjoyed this study unit and I am very passionate about art integration now.