Hello, Hallo, Sawubona, Mholweni, Lumela everyone 

We are all back at it again bloggers , How is everybody’s week going? I hope everyone is well, happy and safe . I’m sure we are all getting into the swing of things with the new semester and our to-do lists are probably getting longer and longer by each passing day .

Today, I am feeling extremely exhausted . This week has been hectic with no water at work which resulted in learners not being able to attend school for the first 2 days in the week, trying to catch up with the curriculum has been exhausting but I'm glad I made it through.

Assignments and tests are piling up and my to-do list seems to be growing by the day. I am feeling so overwhelmed with my studies, I feel like I am going at a slower pace this semester which is worrisome to me. But I always have to remind myself not to be so hard on myself because not every day is going to be a great day.

But then again, its a new week and a new study unit of LSKM 221 to learn about 

Whilst reading through study unit 2 I felt more at ease knowing that my mind can run wild with all the creative ideas that come with this topic. I don’t know about anyone else, but MUSIC SETS ME FREE. Music makes me feel extremely happy and energized. I could be having such a hectic week but as soon as I put those ear pods in my ears I forget about all the worries and stressors of the week.

I love how music compliments every aspect in our lives as well as everyday schooling life which is what I had learnt from this module. Can you imagine, if music makes me feel just as happy and energized in my own personal free time, what it can do in a learners learning environment? as a foundation phase educator, I believe music is what makes us our HAPPIEST VERSION of ourselves.

Even in the little simple ways, at work I have implemented singing using a beat when counting numbers in maths which I feel has helped learners drastically in many ways. The little things like making a little beat whilst counting in twos, threes, fours and fives and tens has helped learners remember their numbers without even looking at a number chart. I also found that my learners are more eager to do their maths activities that include such numbers as they get to sing and use a beat whilst doing so as well as clapping and clicking their fingers. That is definitely the highlight of my day at work with my little kiddies.

Whilst reading through study unit 2 this week, I learnt of all the different ways music could be implemented in learning, I am keen to try these different activities with my learners in the coming weeks. I have learnt that there may be different genres of music and how each genre of music has a different meaning to it.

1. As a Foundation Phase teacher, you have to choose between utilising indigenous African music, Western Art music or contemporary commercial music (including popular music and film music) in your classes. Which would you choose? Please motivate your answer.

In my own opinion and own personal experiences working with the little kiddies at work. I would definitely choose contemporary commercial music in my class. At grade 2 level, I have never ever heard a learner humming or singing a twinkle twinkle little star song or incy wincy spider song. Instead I have heard learners sing songs with that of ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez etc. We are all living in the 21^st century; learners these days are exposed to smartphones, televised movies etc. I will choose contemporary commercial music as it is something learners are exposed to on a daily whether it is by watching a movie or listening to music on the radio to and from their way from school. Learners enjoy different beats of music which is why I will choose contemporary commercial music as there is a wide variety of beats to different music and songs as well as something that they can relate to. Learners will feel more comfortable and eager as they are being exposed to and participating in different activities with music that they know IN THE CLASSROOM, how exciting will that be for them? I mean, MUSIC whilst learning, that’s a huge bonus which also provides a deeper meaning to their lives not only in the classroom but makes them more energized and positive in everything that they do.

2. Do you think that the examples and content offered in SU 2 are inclusive? Please motivate your answer.

The examples in study unit 2 are efficient as this study unit made me realize all the different elements music has to it. This could be singing, using instruments, musical games etc. Music allows and includes many different aspects to it which can help in a learner’s personal life such as their different languages, cultures, beliefs and values etc. Which is why I believe the examples and content offered in su2 is in fact inclusive as it includes music in different SOUTH AFRICAN languages which is EXTREMELY heartwarming for learners to learn and explore different languages in music.

3. What suggestions do you have for making the content more inclusive? Please provide examples of how the content and activities presented in SU 2 could be changed or adapted to be more inclusive.

The suggestions I would have for making the content more inclusive is to add the advantages of different genres of music for learners in the classroom. I would also add the different ways to implement music in subjects such as mathematics and English as this can have an overall great impact on learners education in general.

Well that's all from me today, I look forward to reading and receiving more insight from your blog posts .

Take care LSKM 221 bloggers!

I shall leave you guys with a quote for all the amazing FP teachers