In this module I have learnt a lot about arts integration, music and lesson planning. I have realised that music helps children to express themselves and participate in a lesson that has been done in and outside the classroom because children learn through play.

In my perspective, incorporating arts integration and play into foundation phase classes is quite beneficial. Children can express their inherent passion of music, art and creation through art and music. It feels nearly effortless when using the arts to learn new concepts or ideas. It seems genuine, which improves learning since it's not like traditional learning, where learners have to cram all this new stuff into their heads that they don't understand.

In lesson planning, an introduction, a teaching and learning phase and a conclusion are all required. 

*In the introduction phase, the teacher should begin the class with a fun activity that can grab learners attention.

*In the teaching and learning phase, learners should engage, have opportunities for peer scaffolding, manipulate concrete materials, do authentic activities, discover and internalize new skills.

The evaluation ( continuous) is equally crucial.

*The learners should be give the opportunity to demonstrate their accomplishments at the final phase. Perhaps a teacher could dramatize it or put it on a show. The teacher should be able to tell if learners have achieved the required results/skills. Learners should be engaged even at the end of the lesson.

Inclusion is another crucial factor to consider. All learners must be accommodated and included in every lessons that are being done in or outside the classroom.

Hello guys!

My name is Kelebogile Leeto and I am from Coligny. I am a 2nd year student and my dream is to become a foundation phase educator. I want to be a teacher because I have passion for teaching and have the ability to change lives of children from early age.

I think LSKM 221 module will assist me to gain more knowledge and experience on how to teach young children because I already know that children learn through play, so this module will teach me all the methods that I'm gonna need to achieve all my lessons in or outside the classroom as a professional teacher in future.

Moreover, my expectations in this module is to understand and crack all study units so that I can get excellent grades.

Arts integrated learning is a teaching- learning approach based on ' through the arts' and ' with the arts'. It is a process in which arts is used a medium for teaching-learning and as a key to understanding concepts in any topic of the curriculum. Learners use many art mediums to explore creatively while making connections between diverse themes. Drawing and painting, clay modelling, pottery, paper crafts, mask and puppet making, heritage crafts and other visual and performing arts experiences lead to a greater comprehension and constitution of knowledge about many subjects. Age appropriate options for learners who can explore at their own pace can be accommodated through the arts. This is in line with the approach to experience learning.

The arts are frequently regarded as a pastime, a hobby, or simply recreational activity. The STEM field ( Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is prioritised in culture where the entire educational system is oriented on training future workers, while arts are disregarded in times of economic uncertainty, resources are rationed, and the arts are frequently the first to be slashed. However, research on the benefits of arts education on children's learning and development shows that children exposed to arts programs with teacher supervision have much better outcomes than children who are not exposed to arts education. Children who are exposed to arts perform better in school, acquire greater social, cognitive and emotional skills, and are more likely to pursue higher education later in life, according to research. 

Music has a great effect on children. Children may not have realised they have anything in common before brought together through music. Children benefit from having a shared interest in particular forms of music because it provides them with framework to socialize and express themselves emotionally. Children gain confidence in their interpersonal interactions when they participate in music and dance activities, which will boosts their self-assurance while making friends. Music allows learners to experience and replicate a variety of emotions. By listening to various forms of music, children can learn how distinct emotions feel and sound.

Music aids in the development of emotional intelligence in youngsters. "Music develops youngster's social and emotional skills" describes how music can help children connect with not only their own feelings but also the feelings of people around them. Children can learn about themselves and the world around them as they engage with music, expanding their vocabulary and developing key pre- reading and numeracy skills, as well as strengthening their social and emotional skills. Children's ability to play and appreciate music is aided by early exposure to music.

According to Carnegie Hall, music is vital for early infant development for a variety of reasons, including improving hand- eye coordination, exercising fine and large motor skills and much more.

The value of studying music at a young age has been compared to the importance of learning to read and write. Learning to play music, according to many specialists in the field of child development, is just as vital. Learning music improves a child's cognitive development ( information processing, conceptual resources, perceptual competences, language learning), motor skills and overall brain function.

Learning and playing music brings a sense of accomplishment in:

*Determination: mastering a difficult piece of music instills pride and the motivation to conquer other challenging things in life.

*Confidence: making music gives learners confidence to perform in front of other learners.

*Time management: music teachers ( and teachers in general) have a low tolerance for tardiness, and making a conscious effort to be on time for lessons teaches responsibility and respect for other's time.

Music has to be felt and to be appreciated. Music will encourage your learners to express themselves more clearly by allowing them to connect with their emotions. They will work for hours if they genuinely enjoy what they are doing. Teamwork enables your learner to recognise his or her own talents and flaws, as well as how to support others.

Our culture values singing and music. Music can be heard in variety of settings, including theatre, television, religion, holidays, movies, festivals, and government. Music can become a natural part of our everyday lives at home, at school and part of our family cultures. Parents use music to soothe and calm their children, communicate love and delight,engage and connect with them from the time they are born. Parents may support their children's natural impulses by learning how music can influence their development, improve social skills and benefit children of all ages.

LEARNING OUTCOMES OF MUSIC

Musical play encompasses a variety of activities that require passive and active responses, physical manipulation, social contact, emotional reactions, and cognitive abilities. Music provide a sense of well-being and teaches social, physical, cognitive and conceptual skills to children with down syndrome. It allows you to express yourself, boost your self-esteem, and exercise self-control. Music play allows children to develop their talents and strengths.