Study Unit 1* The value of music for the holistic development of foundation phase learners.

"My children are most definitely taking music lessons the 

minute they start attending school!" 

 

 

The above statement is the first thing that came out of my mouth when my boyfriend asked me how the studying was going. 

I've always known that there's way more to music than what meets the eye. From the get-go, I've noticed that this module is similar to Pandora's box. In a good way. And now, now the lid came off. And I'm so excited to learn that my expectations regarding the teaching of music and so on, will most definitely be exceeded.  

I am currently a Grade 2 teacher for about 12 learners at a small Private school in Eloff, Mpumalanga. I am also in charge of the after school program for Grades RR - 3. Turns out, ensuring that that ship sails smoothly, is way more of a challenge at times than teaching Grade 2's. I teach in both English and Afrikaans. I've gained the skills to teach a child a new language from scratch. Having a child not understand a word you're saying, in English or Afrikaans, makes for some interesting communication techniques, of that I can most definitely assure you. 

I've also had the privilege of  teaching LSEN learners together with learners who were in desperate need of some remedial teaching.

 And that brings me to my next point: I was and still am 100% sure that music can help heal a brain. Whether from emotional or physical trauma. Unfortunately, that thought popped up too late. Hopefully I'll get around to doing some proper research into epilepsy and how music can help the brain recover in some way, if even.

 

Reading how much music can influence the developing child, made me excited! In truth, I believe that there's nothing easier than teaching a child through play. And doing so, especially in the Foundation Phase, you have the opportunity to intergrade so many different skills into one simple lesson. I like to think that learning through play is a form of reverse psychology. They're playing, yes. But learning so much at the same time. And they cannot resist any learning taking place because they cannot resist playing! 

 Exactly the same happens when they are making music, copying the teachers beat or even making their own. The brain is developing a skill with every single clap or stomp of a foot, even with the beating of a drum. And what child can resist doing that? 

I am looking forward to all the knowledge I will be gaining                                              throughout this semester!