Starting this module, I was apprehensive towards music in the classroom. I thought I would not be able to teach music as I am not a musical person, but finishing this module, I am now more comfortable with teaching and using music in the classroom. I am also now more confidant that I will be able to teach music using the things I have learnt in this module.

From the individual reflections, I learnt how quickly your perception of something can change. With each blog entry I felt more confident and comfortable using music in the classroom.

I found the integration of music in other subjects challenging as I struggle with singing and am not entirely confident singing in front of others. I also found this challenging because I struggle to spot all the opportunities which there are to utilise music in the other subjects.

I did not really encounter something in this module that I did not find valuable in this lesson. I feel that I will utilise most if not all of the things learnt in this module.

I feel that a possible reason for assessment of Performing arts being neglected is that people do not understand or feel confident enough to assess the performing arts. I feel that people also view performing arts as playing and being “silly” (for a lack of a better word), this causes people to often see performing arts as a hobby and not something that should be assessed. I also feel that people view performing arts as an extra-curricular activity and not a school subject.

I would advocate for the assessment of performing arts by stating its importance in the lives of young children as well as stating that the amount of time and effort put into it should be reason enough for it to be seen as a school subject worthy to be put on the report cards of children. I would also highlight that there are performing arts colleges dedicated to only the performing arts. I would use this to justify the assessment of performing arts to prepare students who want to take it further.

LSKM SU 4 Blog

1. 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.

I would respond to this statement by explaining why arts integration is a valuabale resource for students in the foundation phase. I would explain that arts integration can improve student motivation as well as contributing towrds academic success. Arts integration can also decrease the amount of disciplinary measures needed by scools. It also allows learners and teachers alike to practice their creativity. Arts integration is also a way for learners to express themselves if they are uncomfortable doing so in other ways.

2. 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 did you find challenging? Please explain why.

 The thing that I found both most interesting and difficult is the ways in which arts integration can be used to contribute to reading ability. I find this interesting because I never thought that art could be used to assist with reading because art deals with pictures and not words. I also found this concept difficult because I am unsure of exactly how to apply it in a classroom  setting as when I do art with my learners they only draw and do not like reading or writing on their drawings.

- what possibly made some learners uncomfortable during these activities?

I feel that some of the learners could have been uncomfortable with this activity because they are tasked with singing a song which they don't know the meaning of. I think some learners (especially those from religious backgrounds) can feel uncomfortable having to sing or say something in a language which they do not understand and evidently cannot speak. 

-Why were some learners uncomfortable?

 The learners in this scenario were uncomfortable because of the language of the chosen song and the fact that they did not understand it. The second learners was uncomfortable dancing to house music and in front of the boys. 

-Can you think of ways to address these issues in the future? What will you change?

I feel that if the teacher explains the song and what it means in English, the learners will feel more comfortable singing the song as they now know the meaning of what they are singing. I would explain the song to the learners as they are busy learning it. I would also allow learners who might feel uncomfortable dancing to certain music genres and in front of the opposite gender sit out certain activities or try to divide the class into 3 groups. 1 for boys, 1 for girls and one mixed. I would also allow the learners to move freely from one group to another based on how they feel and how comfortable they feel.

-How can we accommodate diverse learner profiles in our classrooms? What must we be aware of?

We could accommodate diverse learners by being sensitive and learning about different religions and cultures, to allow us to respect each learner and their culture and religion. Teachers can also communicate with parents before introducing new cultural songs and ask them if they and their child would be comfortable with it. This would allow the teacher to know how to handle the learners during that lesson and what the individual needs of the learners are.

1. As a foundation phase teacher I would incorporate contemporary commercial music in my classroom. I would choose this genre of music because I feel that it is the most common music that is most widely known and played, which would make it easier for the learners to focus on the individual music activities presented in the classroom. I also feel that in order to make music fun for the learners, music that they enjoy should b played. 

2. I feel that the examples presented in this study unit was inclusive as they are activities that most learners would be able to participate in. The activities are also structured in a way that many genres of music can be used, according to what is most appropriate to the classroom and the learners.

3. I would suggest to incorporate ways in which the lessons/ activities can be modified in order to make them more accessible to learners with disabilities. (A learner in a wheelchair cannot stomp their feet etc...) I feel that including activities for learners with more serious disabilities could make the content more inclusive and prepare the teachers for more situations they might one day face in the classroom.

This has been a super busy week for me with work so I am just happy that I managed to get to all of tasks for my studies.

My confidence in my skills to teach music through movement is not that great. I am very confident in incorporating art into my lessons but since I have almost no musical abilities, I am nervous for this module and also to incorporate music into my lessons. Although I am nervous for this module, I am also excited to explore new teaching techniques which include music and movement.

I feel that for better holistic development I would choose music education. I would choose this over physical education because I feel that the arts are crucial for the development of well-rounded children and people. I also feel that since music education can include dancing that if you had to choose only one of these skills to be taught why not choose the one that allows for both development of the physical, emotional and cultural needs of learners. 

Hello everyone!!!

I am Nadine Mitchell. I am a distance student living in Windhoek, Namibia. I am a grade 1 and 2 teacher at a local study centre.

I am excited to do this module because I am eager to learn more about how to teach music and use it in my lessons. I am also a bit nervous as my musical abilities are practically non-existent.