Hello everyone... 

Wow, I can't believe we are at the end of our second semester of  2021 and our second year. This year flew by very quick. 

At the beginning of the semester when I saw that we're going to have a module about music in the classroom, I wasn't really excited. I don't know much about music and I don't like it very much. to listen yes, but to play it myself, nope! I was a bit sceptic, but I knew that I must learn about it in order to be the best teacher for my learners one day. So yes, I did know nothing about music. Now at the end of the semester I can say that I've learned a lot. I can now know the difference between pitch, body percussions, rhythm and many more. 

I will now be able to incorporate music and arts into my lessons and be confident when doing it. 

While doing this module I learned through my blog posts, my reflections and by asking questions. 

I enjoyed LSKM very much and will now keep on equipping myself to become confident in this aspect of teaching. 

Till next year my fellow teachers...

Good day everyone! 

Wow, I can't believe we are almost done with our second year. Is it just me or did this year fly by? Just a few more assignments and tests and we're done. I won't lie, I can't wait. Although the year flew away with me, it was such an exhausting year. 

Study Unit 5 is all about lesson planning and in my opinion this is the most important study unit, because if you aren't able to plan a lesson accordingly, it will most surely lead to a bad lesson. Planning is crucial and therefor I believe we must learn how to do this effectively. How wonderful is it that we can have the CAPS document that states clearly what the learning outcomes must be. 

I believe assessment is being neglected because teachers may feel that music and art education aren't in need of assessment. An observation can be made and that is enough. I however feel that assessment is very important. It isn't just a tool for the teacher to see where each child is on understanding certain concepts, but also is it a tool every individual can use on themselves to improve. Assessment is a non-negotiable aspect of each lesson. 

I found this study unit interesting and I learned a lot, I hope you guys did as well and that we are able to present an effectively planned lesson and to incorporate assessment throughout the lesson. 

That is all for now. 

Till we "see" again 

​Good day everyone...

It's me again. Wow, what a few weeks the last weeks was and there is more to come. All the assignments and tests are hectic. I experience in my own life that I'm struggling to stay motivated. It is that time of the year I guess, everyone is tired and waiting for the December holiday, but before I can think about that, there is some things that needs to be completed. 

LSKM is really a enjoyable module, but I must say that I struggle a bit. I don't really know much about music and arts and it still feel like I know nothing, but I realize it is my own responsibility to put in more effort. 

Study Unit 4 is about arts integration in the classroom. This was also, just like the other study units, very interesting. I enjoyed learning about the value of it in the classroom. I learned that it helps promote motivation among learners as well as academic achievement and social development. Art integration will help learners develop skills like critical thinking and problem solving. 

I will most definitely make use of this in my classroom one day! 

See you soon again... 

Stay motivated and healthy. 

​ ​

Good day everyone...

I've had a great week. I managed to complete some assignments and to write tests on or before they were due. I quite enjoy this semester, it is for sure challenging, but hey, what is life without challenges? 

O wow, how interesting study unit 3 was for me. Now this was my most favourite study unit so far in LSKM 221. Who knew that something fun like playing would have so much educational value? Not me! 

I learned about the different characteristics of play and how each one is important on its own, but also all together. The most interesting one for me was "Players supply meaning to play." Each child has their own interpretation of materials when playing. I believe this is so important for them to develop their own ideas of how things are and work. 

Also the levels of play was new for me. I enjoyed learning this new concepts and what each one means. It is also amazing to see what role playing plays in music education. It develops discipline, group work, therapeutic effects and many more. 

As a former teacher I would incorporate playing educational games much more in my classroom and especially in music education. 

Keep on going on my fellow former teachers. 

Till my next blog...

Karmi 

Good day everyone...

Wow, the semester started with a bang. All the assignments and tests are difficult to manage, but one thing I learned so far on this journey is that planning your time is key. 

I really enjoy this LSKM module. I don't know much about music and that is why I find it so interesting to see and learn new concepts and ideas. I now can form my own ideas on this topic. 

Some of the things that really stood out for me during this study unit was on how you can incorporate music in a classroom where there are children with special needs. Music can really help children with special needs like trauma, movement abilities and much more. Incorporating the music you engage their senses by hearing the music, feeling the instrument, smelling the wood of the instrument, seeing the different instruments and by moving on the music and rhythms. 

Some new things I learned was that of the music elements. All the new concepts and what they are were really interesting for me. I especially enjoyed the notes and rhythms, because I never knew how to read it and what it may mean. 

One of the reflective questions that stood out for me was on how important singing is in the classroom. Singing sets the tone and "vibe" in the classroom. It also learns children skills that they can incorporate in their daily life. 

I enjoyed this study unit and I am excited to see what is to come. 

Good afternoon everyone... 

My name is Karmi Fourie. I'm 20 years old with blonde hair and green eyes. I'm originally form South-Africa, but moved to Namibia 6 years ago. I live in a very small town called Stampriet, it is almost like a farm. I enjoy this calm lifestyle and prefer it over the hustle and bustle from the city life. My hobbies are writing, baking and taking outdoor walks. I'm passionate about spending time with my friends and family, enjoying the small things in life as well as to help others, especially children. 

I want to be a foundation phase teacher because I believe this is the most important stage in a childs life. This is where the foundation are led the teachers plays a very important role in a childs life. I want to help each and everyone in my classroom to become the best version of themselves on different levels. 

I'm not a musical or instrumental person, I like to listen to music, but I can't play it myself. Where I'm sitting now my first thoughts of LSKM are a bit sceptical. I don't know what to expect from it, but in the same sentence I can say that I'm excited to push myself to new things and to give my best in this module. I expect to learn a lot more on how to incorporate music and instruments in my classroom and how I can use this to enhance my teaching and the teaching experience. 

I'm ready for this semester. 

Karmi Fourie