KARIN VAN TONDER
What a week!
I am permanently employed at one of our local schools and COVID has hit our staff in full steam for the first time. I have been filling in for teacher who are in isolation for the past three weeks. Balancing studies and work has become a challenge this new semester. But, this too shall pass.
This week I was yet again reminded of the importance that the holistic development of a child plays in a classroom. To achieve this, focus was placed on the incorporation of music in the educational process. It is not always the first strategy that comes to mind, but it is a brilliant one!
I feel confident that I will be able to teach music through movement in the foundation phase. I am very aware of the gross- and fine motor movements that are essential for development amongst children. I will incorporate music into my current teaching practice in order to solidify the embedment of knowledge. This will be achieved by stimulating all of the senses. Associating a certain movement with a new topic will help learners to recall what has been learned as well as to make connection between previous and new knowledge.
If I have to choose between musical and physical education; I would hands down choose musical education. I feel that this will better meet the holistically development needs of learners in the foundation phase. This is because music can be stretched to aid every development factor of a child. Their cognitive development is stimulated by interpreting the meanings of the lyrics. They show personal development by developing a unique taste in music. They develop social by finding others who have the same musical interest as they do. They show emotional development by showing empathy towards the lyrics. And the develop physically when using dance with music.
Musical education does not only encourage holistic development, but it also teaches skills that are academically necessary. It teaches numeracy by counting the beat, language skills by broadening vocabulary, creativity by encouraging learners to create their own music, problem solving by letting them figure out what note has been played and it helps with midline crossing when dancing.
SU 5-34276696
18 Oct 2021, 14:28
And so we are now preparing for our final examinations of 2021. The time has flied but much faster than I could have imagined, yet I still feel as though I have a mountain of work to do before I write my first exam.
Assessment of the performing arts and music in the foundation phase is being neglected because the HOD does not feel the need therefor. Performing arts and music is in general not a subject that is seen as a subject of value. Therefor, the assessment thereof is also not seen as necessary. This illusion is due to the fact that some people believe that learners should only be taught and assessed concerning content subjects. They do not feel that any other subjects can be beneficial in the development of a child.
If I had to speak to the HOD about the matter I would definitely highlight the benefits of performing arts and music in the foundation phase. These benefits being:
- An increase in self-confidence
- Development of both fine and gross motor skills
- Enhanced collaborative skills
- Improved balance and coordination
- Learning different ways of expressing one self
I would also stress the idea of holistic development and how these subjects can contribute towards it. The feedback that learners will receive through assessment will also make them aware as to how they can improve themselves; not only in the classroom, but also as an individual.