hey hey!!!

this week has been so so so HECTIC!!!!well this a very busy time of the year as time is very scarce and limited with so much o my hands.... being pulled in so many different directions has really been a challenge. we are preparing for grade R gradaution which is not far off and it is almost time for action. learners have to much work to complete which is also much as it is the end of the year. 

with god allllll things are possible and we pull through things with him on our side!!!

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

the work load is to overwhelming for todays educators. the academic curriculum in south Africa is so demanding. some schools do not cater for performing arts and music due to the lack of resources in order for learners to have such activities. 

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.

I think the teachers need to be work shopped about the importance of music in the lives of learners especially performing arts and all the skills they will learn. we need to have an information workshop which will provide the HOD with the necessary understand of the importance that arts integration in the foundation phase and the importance of performing to keep learners active which will also improve in their health. educators can also do creative arts by making musical instruments which will enhance the performing arts within the school environment. 

Individual reflection

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 disagree, as arts integration enhance observation, curiosity and help learners to express themselves freely and to be come creative thinkers. through performing arts learners begin to understand different body movements. it enhances their emotional and physical wellbeing. arts integration helps with development of the whole child. 

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.

music is universal as it can form parts of all learning areas. it can be used in the classroom during morning ring and an introduction to a lesson or to transition from activity to another, it could also be used also be used as a calming activity.  music is an integration of all grades in foundation phase. and takes form in way or another. 

What did you find challenging? Please explain why.

I did not find anything challenging in this study unit. The study unit was well- written and easy to understand.

What possibly made some learners uncomfortable during these activities? Why were some learners uncomfortable?

The boy felt excluded as he could not be actively involved as it was a zulu song which was not in in his language. in order for learners to be actively involved they need to understand what is being taught, so they can be part of the activity.  The girl felt uneasy dancing in front of boys who she is unaccustomed to, it could also be not part of her cultural background. 

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

In the future I would change my lesson to accommodate all learners. i will sing the song in isizulu and in  English so the learners are aware of the meaning of the song. i will pair the learners so they can sing with learners who know the song, so they can feel included in the lesson.

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

as educators we have the information of each learner and the different cultures they belong too. when we are teaching or planning our lessons we have to accommodate all learners.  we need to educate the learners of the different cultures and teach them to respect learners from different believe systems.  

1. As a Foundation Phase teacher, you have to choose between utilising indigenous African music, Western Art music or contemporary commercial music (including popular music and film music) in your classes. Which would you choose? Please motivate your answer.

I would choose indigenous African music, as indigenous caters for a variety of different indigenous cultures. including the Berber in the Sahara and the San (Bushmen) and Khoikhoin (Hottentot) in southern Africa. indigenous music goes way, people back then use to sing and dance around fires, create their instruments with natural resources from their living environment. i would encourage indigenous music within my classroom environment as to show the learners that they themselves can create their own music and music instruments. this will enhance the learners thinking skills and will bring out their creative side. the learners will be able to use he creative skills of the indigenous people to create their own music.  

2. Do you think that the examples and content offered in SU 2 are inclusive? Please motivate your answer.

I do not think that STUDY UNIT 2 is inclusive as they do not cater for children with disabilities. As children with disabilities are not catered for in the activities. Lessons are also not adjusted for learners who are deaf, blind, physically disabled learner that you may have in your classroom.

3. What   do you have for making the content more inclusive? Please provide examples of how the content and activities presented in SU 2 could be changed or adapted to be more inclusive.

i will adjust the activities to cater for and include all learners, especially those with different disabilities to participate in every activity that is presented. i will make the activities more inclusive for the deaf learner by turning up the volume so they can feel the vibrations on the floor. i would also incorporate sign language to include the learners. for the disable learner i will provide an assistant and pair them up. this will help them to participate in the activities.  

This has been an interesting week for me, as i was clueless about blogs. i felt like it was not explained to us fully and also wrong of me for not contacting and getting updated on how it should be done.  i am a full time grade R teacher and some how it does not seem to be enough time to go around in order to get things DONE!!! When i become anxious i have to collect myself and reassure myself that its going to be well. what i do to keep the stress levels down i go on a hike or cycling and it really helps me to remain calm and relaxed. sometimes i just go to the beach front and sit on the sea sand and watch the waves go back, THAT IS VERY SOOTHIG FOR ME.

study unit 1 has definitely been eye opening because this study unit has really given me a lot of insight regarding how children develop in certain areas of their lives. I was definitely in experienced about the abilities children have when they enter school. This study unit got me reading about different ways they develop and how the different people like PIAGET, ERIKSON and VGOTSKY study different development and explained to us about the children's development. It was also interesting to me to learn about how their musical abilities develop and also at what age they start to develop their musical ability. All these different skills and abilities that are related to music, interrelate with each other.

The content of this study unit is extremely important. It teaches me exactly how the learner develops holistically and tells the me how the child should be handled. 

Hello everyone!

I am Lynice Cave. I am from Durban, a small suburb called Newlands east. this is my 4th year at north west university, it has been a hard and challenging experience but also very inspiring and really worth while. becoming a teacher has always being my dream and passion! children are a blessing to the earth and to teach them is the most rewarding job ever. They are in fact the leaders of tomorrow.

this module has being the most difficult for me, as i had to repeat it twice..... imagine that!!! because it is so in depth about music and how children develop through out the years in the lives is really one big challenge. overall i have conquired and overcome the worst. hope for the best

My expectations for this module is for it to be a very fun and educational journey.