Hello bloggers !!     

I hope everyone is doing extremely well and that everyone is safe ! I am feeling so GOOD and POSITIVE . I am feeling very positive regarding our studies since we are coming to the end of the semester, it feels that I am having everything under control. I don't have any assignments left only need to submit my LAST LSKM 221 ASSIGNMENT  how fun, but then there is still a lot of tests and that means s t u d y i n g !! My little boy is teething now and this is a very stressful situation, he is all moody and grumpy and this means that he needs all my attention and him teething at the moment inhibited my learning this past week, I just hope it get's better this week. 

Oh, boy ! Study unit 5 is one interesting unit. I enjoyed it so much, when it was loaded I started to work through it and enjoyed it so - so much ! When working through the unit, I became aware of so much, especially LESSON PLANNING. I became aware of how to identify and evaluate appropriate assessment strategies for music as part of life skills in foundation phase. I became aware of how to incorporate music, games and art integration when planning a lesson for life skills. I was made aware how to evaluate and apply different teaching methods when planning a music lesson and how to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the basic structure of a well planned lesson. I was learned what to keep in mind when planning a lesson.  

There was a few concepts and elements that was significant to me in this study unit. I enjoyed learning about the characteristics of a well-planned music lesson because this is one part that stood out to me and it was very interesting. Going through the transformation through music education was in interesting but didn't grab my attention at first, but when going through it I understand better and enjoyed it. The whole study unit was just interesting to me and grabbed my attention. I learned how to prepare a lesson plan, and i must say I at the end of this unit I understand much better how to plan a music lesson. Oh, and before I forget the structure of a lesson was the MOST significant to me, it made me understand better from the introduction stage till the conclusion phase. 

When thinking about the following question there comes a lot to my mind. There is a variety of reasons why assessment is neglected in the Performing Arts and Music in the Foundation Phase. the following reasons is what comes to my mind when it comes to this question:

- Teachers doesn't have enough time to prepare a lesson plan for performing arts and music.

- There isn't enough time during the school day.

- Teachers think that it wouldn't be a benefit for the students or that the students wouldn't be interested.

- The school that they are in maybe doesn't have all the necessary technology in school form music.

- The classroom environment can have a impact or there could be a lack of resources. 

 

I would advocate for a heighten awareness about the importance about assessment when speaking with my HOD about my concerns in this regard in the following way: 

- I will have my facts straight so that it is understandable of how important music and performing arts is in the foundation phase.

- I will make sure that when music is being used that it is always integrated in all the other subjects and that everyone is aware of it so that music can be considered.

- I will make sure that there is strategies that can be used and that is beneficial when coming to making use of music and performing arts in Foundation Phase. 

- I will make sure that the HOD makes every teacher in Foundation Phase aware of how important performing arts and music is.

There is a lot of aspects that we should look out for and not everyone realize how important it is to use and teach learners music in the Foundation Phase. I will make sure everyone has a positive outlook on music and performing arts. I will definitely make sure one day when becoming a teacher that music and performing arts is included in the Foundation Phase.

This study unit made me aware of so much, and definitely prepared me for lesson planning. I feel this unit prepared me for my teaching practice and can only be a benefit for me. 

I am so excited to read your blogs, I can't wait .

Till next time bloggers .

 

hi, Bronwyn. assessment is always a problem. I feel that it is not only in arts and music but in all the subjects. there is just not enough time in the day. and even though you work non stop on the weekends it feels like we are always left behind. the work load is a lot to handle. lesson planning is stuck on the short end of the stick. I feel that, if only we had more time to prepare lessons like we want to. learners will be able to benefit from it so much. We, as teachers have the power to make each subject so interesting and fun for the students. if only we had the time to do so. as well as the funds. if we have a sufficient amount of funds, imagine the impact that it can have on the children in our classrooms.

I agree that music and arts are always either overlooked or when there is an interest in it most schools don’t have or can’t afford the resources to engage in musical or artistic activities.


Including music activities in a lesson plan is so much more complicated then it seems. Yes it is extremely beneficial but it also requires a lot of research and planning in order to accommodate all learners and to make sure it is being used in an effective manner, all of this can be very time consuming. Time which most of us don’t really have because let’s face it lesson planning takes time and needs to be well thought out , as it is our responsibility to ensure effective learning in the classroom, all this pressure and still dealing with our personal lives can be a lot to handle.

Hi b, I trust that you are doing well...
I would jist like to state that you have mentioned some very valid points, the points that you have mentioned make perfect sense, time factor in a South African classroom, is a major factor and most educators, don't emphasis or are not educated adequately on the importance of music in the classroom. Poverty is also always used as an excuse, but little do teachers and hods realise that music can be made from a basic body percussion. I loved the way you structured your solution, to the H. O. D, I am Glad that I can proudly say that you will be an educator who understands the importance of music, thank you for such an inciteful post