Wow I cannot believe time has flown by so quickly. It feels as if yesterday I was blogging SU1 clueless about how to blog slowly trying to find my way. This is a bitter sweet moment. I will definitely miss blogging, but I am also quite excited to be on holiday in Dubai.

1. Please share your story as an LSKM 221 student by comparing your knowledge, skills, experiences, abilities and attitude towards music education from the start of the semester to the end of the semester.

My knowledge has definitely been enriched from the beginning of the semester to the end of the semester. I have gain so much more insight of the importance of music education .At the beginning of the semester I believed to a certain extent that music integration is essential, however, now that we are at the end of the semester, I cannot stress enough the importance of music integration .My knowledge has definitely increased. The study units taught me that integration of music ultimately reduces anxiety and tension, aids emotional regulation in children, and improves concentration and on-task conduct.

2. What was your experience of the role of individual reflection as part of the teaching and learning process? Use the following prompts to reflect on your blogging experience and the role that individual reflection played (or not) in your teaching and learning experience this semester:

• What did you learn from your individual reflections?

I obtained a deep understanding of the work being learned by doing individual reflections. It was beneficial for me as it helped me to revise work being learned. In addition, reading everyone's blogs and seeing how their weeks have gone was a lot of fun. Interacting with my peers was quite enjoyable for me.

• What did you find challenging?

I found is quite challenging to keep up with the dates to submit the blog entries. I had a hard time juggling all my assignments and submitting my blogs

• Did you find the individual reflections meaningful? Please motivate your answer.

Yes, I definitely found it meaningful as it helped me revise work being learned.

• What didn’t you find valuable for your future teaching practice?

I would not change anything. I believe that this module was great!

• What did you find interesting and meaningful?

I definitely thought blogging was interesting and meaningful as it was a form of revision for work being learned.

• What challenged you, and what do you still struggle to understand?

I have not really struggled with anything. I found this study unit pretty interesting and I was able to comprehend all study units being learned.

• What didn’t you find valuable for your future teaching practice?

Honestly, this study unit was very valuable. It has taught me a lot. I definitely rate this study unit a 10/10

Signing off....

Hello everyone, I hope you are all safe and healthy in these tough times. The last blog was pretty,,, uuuuhh…  interesting.. yeah my burnt cupcakes L but hey, at least  this week was a good one and I never burnt anymore cupcakes haha #PracticeMakesPerfect #WearYourReadingGlasses. This week I managed to catch up with all of my work and I have completed all of my assignments. I am feeling really glad about that.

This study unit taught me the value of a lesson plan and how much work, commitment, and thought goes into creating one. In the foundation phase, I learned how to identify and evaluate acceptable assessment strategies for music as part of life skills, how to integrate music, games, and art integration into the preparation of a life skills class, and the characteristics of a well-planned music lesson. When creating a music lesson, I learned how to analyze and implement various teaching approaches.

• What could the possible reasons be that assessment is neglected in Performing Arts and Music in the Foundation Phase?

1. The teacher did not plan a lesson plan correctly / effectively
2. Poor time management
3. Poor resourced school with lack of resources
4. The teacher may feel that arts and music is pointless
5. There may not be enough time to plan a lesson

• Please explain how you would advocate for and heighten awareness about the importance of assessment when speaking with your HOD about your concerns in this regard:

1. I will provide my HOD with facts about the significance of assessment.
2. I will make sure that other teachers are on my side so we can speak together about this issue to the HOD

Signing off.......

Heloooo beautiful people! This week has been pretty good, but oh boy today … Today I learned to never skip wearing glasses when reading a recipe. My enthusiasm for baking hasn’t wained a bit despite the burnt cupcakes. Uhhhhh …yeah let’s not talk about that again #pain.

     -------ME

Study Unit 4 has taught me a lot. I had a lot of fun learning about all of the different areas of arts integration in the foundation phase. I learned the definition of art integration, the various activities we may utilize in music, how to integrate music with other disciplines, the theoretical framework, and the importance of arts integration.

Arts integration entails more than just doing art projects in class. Art integration is a teaching technique that incorporates arts standards into core subjects to create meaningful connections and provide context. Having discussed this, I would then have to agree with the above statement. Art integration, in my opinion, is vital for our youth. The benefits of art and music, whether kids are exposed to it in school or through private or community classes and sessions, are enormous. Art exposure provides children with more than just a creative outlet; it also has mental, emotional, and educational advantages. Here are a few reasons why I believe that art integration is critical:

• Art integration aids the development of creative problem-solving abilities.
• Children's motor skills, linguistic skills, social skills, decision-making, risk-taking, and creativity are all aided by art instruction.
• Art integration improves retention and engagement
• Teaching through the arts can help students understand complex subjects by visualizing them.

Which aspects of study unit 4 did you find the most interesting and challenging?  Please use the following prompts to reflect on your experience:

This is a difficult decision to make because I enjoyed the entire study unit. If I had to pick a favourite, I'd say the value of arts integration in inclusive, multicultural schools at the foundation phase. This peaked my interest because I'm always interested in learning more about different cultures. I believe that diversity is essential within the classroom because Multicultural education aims to provide equitable educational opportunities for all students by altering the overall school environment to reflect the many cultures and groups that exist within a community and in classrooms across the country. As a future teacher, I believe it is critical that we learn more about the value of diversity and multicultural classrooms. To be honest, I didn't find anything difficult; instead, I found each section of this study unit to be really interesting, and I was able to learn and comprehend everything.

Signing off.....

Heloooooo ! It’s me again. I think it’s pretty safe to say that this week has definitely not been the best. I currently have covid, however, my symptoms are not as bad as most people which is a good thing .This week I have just been in bed most days and I have been trying to get university work done. To whoever is reading this, I hope you have the best week ahead. Now, let’s begin  

What possibly made some learners uncomfortable during these activities?  Why were some learners uncomfortable? Can you think of ways to address these issues in future? What will you change?

Some learners might of felt uncomfortable when it was their turn to improvise and do free dance in the middle of the circle. Some learners are shy learners, while others are very outspoken and confident. What I would change is to allow all the learners to dance together and to showcase their dances together, rather than individual dancing. In this way, learners will not feel alone and uncomfortable since everyone is doing it together. Additionally, the teacher did not introduce the first game in the correct manner. Learners may have felt uncomfortable because they had to sing a song which they did not understand. The teacher did not explain what the song is about and rather focused on the teaching the lyrics, melody and rhythm. It was a Zulu song, and some learners speak different languages. To address this issue, I think It is essential for teachers to explain beforehand to the learners that they will be learning a new song and to explain what the song is about as well as explain the words of the song. Moreover, for the second activity, some leaners felt uncomfortable to dance in front of boys due to religious purposes as it is against some religions to dance in front of boys as girls. I would solve this issue by explaining the activity beforehand to the learners. If learners are unable to participate they should come up to the teacher and give their reasoning.

 How can we accommodate diverse learner profiles in our classrooms? What must we beware of?

It is essential for teachers to be on a constant search to find creative ways to teach diverse learners. This can be done with the instructor getting to know each individual student in order to create cultural awareness in the classroom. I think it’s essential for teachers to take the time to get to know each student's cultural background, hobbies, learning styles, and other characteristics. Demonstrating a genuine interest in learning about each kid and their culture will help you gain their trust and develop a bond with them, making them feel appreciated. It's also critical for pupils to recognize and respect their own and each other's various backgrounds. Teachers should encourage pupils to investigate and learn about their own ethnic and cultural heritage when it is suitable. This enables students to gain a deeper understanding of their own culture as well as the differences and nuances between themselves and their classmates. While maintaining an open discussion among students is crucial, teachers must also ensure that they are attentive to everyone's culture, beliefs, and language problems. Take the time to learn about each student's cultural background.

signing off......

Hello to my future Educators 

Well ….. It’s me again haha!  am quite happy to be blogging again. This week has been pretty exciting to say the least. I had a job interview with a European company. Well …. Guess who made the job?? Yes you guess it! Meeee ! lets dance together  I was filled with such excitement. I have just finished my 2 day training with the company and I can officially start working with them in 2 days time. I am so thrilled to embark on a new journey. Wish me luck.

To whoever is reading this, I hope you had a great week and I hope you survived this stressful week which was filled with tests and assignments! Yes, you got this! Well, let’s dive in and answer a few questions:

Question 1 :

As a foundation phase teacher, I think it’s essential for one to first understand the importance of incorporating music in the classroom. I learned that by incorporating music into the class, all aspects of a child's growth and skills for school readiness, including cerebral, social-emotional, motor, linguistic, and total literacy, are sparked. Moreover, it allows learners to engage with all of their senses. Additionally, it aids in the coordination of the body and mind. As a result, children can improve their motor skills while also practicing self-expression by dancing to music. Having enriched my knowledge, I found that Western music focuses on the downbeat and is known to be a more Eurocentric music genre, as a result, it may only appeal to a small number of students. African music appears to place a greater emphasis on the uplifting rhythm and may require greater musical expertise, such as knowing the beat and pronunciation. Contemporary music is any form of music that is current or modern, addressing current topics in a way that is appealing to the current audience. Having discussed the differences between the different music genres and as a foundation phase teacher, I would include contemporary music in my class. This is due to the fact that contemporary music addresses current topics which ultimately benefits learners. Additionally, since contemporary music has such a wide range of music to choose from, learners will enjoy listening to music they favour and are familiar with, creating a more fun and positive learning environment.

Question 2 :

Yes, I am of the notion that the content offered in SU2 are indeed inclusive. Reason being is that it covers all the various music genres that one needs to know as well as the various approaches used .Moreover, it included music from different cultures and languages .Lastly, I gained a lot of new and insightful information about music that I was initially unaware of.

Question 3:

In my opinion, I feel that no changes should be made to this study unit. This study unit was clear, well – written and inclusive.

Signing off.....

Hello Everyone!

Wow, this week has been pretty crazy and stressful to say the least. I have been an online ESL English teacher for about 2 years. During this week I received very unfortunate news. The minister of education in China just released an official statement informing all foreign teachers that in about 5 months all Chinese ESL companies will need to shut down. This news definitely brought a great deal of sadness as I absolutely adore my job and find happiness in aiding Chinese kids to better their English. I was definitely stressed out and worried as I used the money I earned from teaching to pay for my studies. However, I decided to keep a positive mind-set and started looking for online ESL jobs outside of China. So far, I have not been successful, however, I will continue to maintain a positive mind-set. This week, I learnt about the theories of Vygotsky, Piaget, and Erikson, as well as how each one operated and what each thinker was attempting to achieve. I found it interesting to see how each theorist has their own distinct viewpoints and what ideas motivated them to pursue this line of inquiry.

Introduction

Who are you? Where are you from?

Hello there! My name is Sharfaa Abrahams, I am 20 years old. I was born and raised in the windy city, Port Elizabeth. I am currently working as an ESL online English teacher for kids in China. I absolutely adore my job as I thoroughly enjoy working with kids. I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to work with kids in china, this opened my eyes and allowed me to see their culture and see what life is like on the other side of the world. I would describe myself in four words; a peoples person, ambitious, passionate and adventurous. My hobbies include hiking, swimming and I often go fishing with my dad.

Why do you want to be a foundation phase teacher?

Well, to be honest, I have a deep love and a soft spot for children. Those who know me, know that I absolutely adore little kids. From a very young age I was fond of kids and always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I am studying foundation phase teaching as I hope to make a difference in the lives of others and to inspire children as I believe they can achieve so much more if they are taught about their capabilities at a young age. I adore the energy and enthusiasm that children display. In a primary school, there is a distinct sense of excitement that cannot be found in many other settings. Learning is something that children enjoy doing. They are ready to try new things, even if it is schoolwork, which makes teaching an exciting and gratifying profession. Lastly, it’s rewarding seeing little minds grow and learn.

When did you decide to become a teacher?

As has been noted, I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher, however, my history teacher has further motivated me to become a teacher. She was able to look beyond the dates and facts and brought the subject to life in ways that went beyond the conventional curriculum. Her unique teaching methods inspired me, and I hope to instill in my students the same enthusiasm for new ways to learn.

What are you passionate about?

In my personal life, I am passionate about uplifting others, self-love and improvement. I believe that kindness is an investment that always pays off, not necessarily in terms of money, but in terms of one's own mental and emotional well-being. For me, uplifting others and being kind towards others always brings a sense of joy. I am deeply passionate about loving yourself and self- improvement. I believe that it’s always a wise decision to put your enthusiasm into yourself, your self-improvement, and your future development.

AND I QUOTE :

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. – AESOP

How do you feel about LSKM 221 now, at the start of the semester?

Honestly, I'm very interested in learning more about this module. I learnt about several learning and developmental theories, as well as how music and music education may help foundation phase students develop holistically. I am excited to learn and gain more knowledge.

What are your expectations for this module?

I hope to learn more information and I look forward in reading other learners blog posts. I think blogs are quite interesting as it allows us to see what other people are going through and ultimately allows one to vent.  

1. Explain your understanding of Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development:

The zone of proximal development (ZPD), also known as the zone of potential development, is the range of talents that an individual can execute under the supervision of an expert but not on their own. Vygotsky’s theory highlights the importance of social interaction and language development. To comprehend a child’s need and development, the child’s surroundings need to be taken into consideration. Interpersonal social connections, according to Vygotsky, are essential for learning progress. By stressing scaffolding, Vygotsky developed a theory that aids learners in forming connections based on their social interactions.

2. Summarise the most important aspects of the learning theories of Erikson, Piaget, and Vygotsky for your teaching practice as Foundation Phase teacher:

Erikson - The importance of social interaction and connections on learning is emphasized in Erikson's developmental theory for the stages of psychosocial development. Important components of Erikson's theory include the age, millstones, and problems that children will experience, which are explained to make it easier to comprehend.

Piaget- According to Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, children go through four stages of mental growth (sensorimotor stage , preoperational stage, concrete operational and formal operational stage) . His thesis is concerned with not only how children gain knowledge, but also with the nature of intelligence.

Vygotsky- Vygotsky is credited with the invention "social cognition," which suggests the following:

1. Culture and social contact have a significant impact on cognitive development.

2. Social connection aids the development of cognitive functions.

3.  Would you please describe your confidence in your current knowledge and skills to teach music through movement in the Foundation Phase as you start your LSKM 221 journey?

Having enriched my knowledge, I learned that all aspects of a child's growth and skills for school readiness, including intellectual, social-emotional, motor, linguistic, and total literacy, are sparked by music. I believe that music aids in the coordination of the body and mind. Early exposure to music assists children in learning the sounds and meanings of words.

4. If you have to choose between incorporating Music education OR Physical education in the Foundation Phase curriculum to meet the holistic development needs of learners, which would you choose?

Some people are of the notion that music is more beneficial than physical education since it improves learners memory, however , I believe that physical education is more useful as PE enhances motor skills, muscle strength, and bone density, making pupils more inclined to participate in healthy activities outside of the classroom. Furthermore, it teaches children about the wonderful effects of exercise and how good they can feel when they do it.

Goodbye ! see you soon