Hi there. I can't believe I'm writing my third (official) blog already. I hope you're healthy and keeping well. And also...keeping up with the pace of our (seems like never ending) studies this semester. The workload is heavy, but I keep reminding myself that this is what I need to accomplish in order to become a teacher. A life-long dream and soon to be reality. Always look on the bright side of life! 

As established in previous modules, the use of music in you classroom has many benefits.

From experience, I can relate with feeling uncomfortable dancing in front of people, especially if I’m not in my comfort zone. Sometimes, you’re shy and sometimes you may not feel like dancing. Other times you may not like the song.

The learners who felt uncomfortable probably experienced similar feelings or emotions. Another reason for feeling uncomfortable is when you do not understand the lyrics  of the song you’re dancing to. In some religions, woman are not allowed to engage in dancing. 

When working with music and music related activities, it would be a good idea to take your learners' cultural into account. Using music with a different language does not necessarily mean you have to use a different song. Explain what the words mean and why the song is used or that specific activity. By doing so, the children will better understand what they are singing and dancing to. It would be a good idea to give the learners the opportunity to dance or to partake by only clapping hands or whichever they feel comfortable with. The ideal is to make children feel comfortable even though it means they do not participate in the dancing.

Diversity is very important and raising awareness amongst learners regarding this, is just as important. They need to understand that we are all unique and different. Helping the learners realise this is possible by giving different cultures the opportunity to demonstrate their way of dancing. We must be very careful not to imply that they be treated differently because of cultural or religious differences.

Hope you have a blessed week! 

Stay safe! 'Till next time! 

~L