ARTS INTEGRATION IN THE FOUNDATION PHASE!

Hi, Bloggers.

This week was really relaxing and good to my soul.

I feel stress-free and in control of my studies. As this semester is on its last stretch, I really want to give it my ALL in regards of my studies. I want to keep myself motivated, positive and determined, despite the challenges I face for example: internet problems and loadshedding. These challenges are not going to get a hold off me, and I am going to keep up with my assignments and tests.

I also hope that you are all safe, healthy and that the rain is pouring joy and happiness into your hearts!

https://th.bing.com/th/id/R.11595846e0af52ce67b14010e56ec6ee?rik=slyXuA5vA88vkg&riu=http%3a%2f%2fcapechicago.org%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2016%2f07%2fCAPE_Icon-1.jpg&ehk=xJiyfxqhSaZoeeWBdRJE5WH%2fCkKbz6sMDzrRbPoEqZE%3d&risl=&pid=ImgRaw&r=0 

Study unit 4:

Arts Integration is an APPROACH to TEACHING in which students construct and demonstrate UNDERSTANDING through an ART FORM. Students engage in a CREATIVE PROCESS which CONNECTS an art form and another subject area and meets EVOLVING OBJECTIVES in both (Silverstein & Layne, 2010).

I found it interesting to know that Arts integration promotes teaching and learning strategies which address outcomes in various subjects simultaneously while encouraging learners to demonstrate their understanding of concepts and skills through the arts. Arts integration promotes active engagement in teaching and learning activities, experiential learning, authentic learning activities, collaborative learning, critical thinking skills and reflection through the approach to teaching. It also involves the integration between two or more subjects.

I have learned that arts integration is unbelievably valuable in foundation phase teaching because it promotes higher motivation levels among learners and supports academic achievement and socialisation among learners. It also improves learners’ mathematic performance as well as decreased disciplinary challenges. Teachers are also provided with the opportunity to promote and support the developmental needs of learners, while offering the learners the opportunity to engage in teaching and learning activities. It also contributes to the learners problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The above is just a few valuable contributions of art integration mentioned, as there are a lot of other valuable contributions to arts integration.

The arts integration theory was interesting for me, as it emphasised the benefits of an integration approach and how arts integration supports holistic development and promotes a positive learning environment, through reading and language development, mathematics, fundamental cognitive skills and capacities, motivations to learn, effective social behaviour, and school environment. It also emphasises how arts integration is important in the learning process.

The theoretical framework define six ways in which music can be integrated into the foundation phase classrooms which includes teaching and learning about, from, on, with, in and through music. The most significant for me was to learn how music can be integrated into other subjects and how to use different strategies for arts integration in the foundation phase classroom.

NO! Arts integration is NO WASTE OF TIME in the Foundation Phase education. Arts integration is valuable and beneficial for learners because it provides opportunities for learners to promote their developmental needs, promotes problem solving skills, critical thinking skills, communication skills and teamwork. Arts integration promotes better understanding of work in a subject or it promotes motivation for learners in certain subjects. Thus, can arts integration increase a learner academic performance. Learners get the opportunity to understand the concept and goal of music better, because of the integration of arts in the classroom. Learners form a positive relationship with music, or any other type of art. Arts integration also provides as safe environment for learners.

The discussion of the value of arts integration were interesting for me, because my dream is to work with children with special needs and this is really something I can use in my classroom to promote the learners’ developmental needs, holistic development, critical thinking skills, problem solving skills and arts integration will also help learners to engage with other people. The integration of arts does not also connect subjects, concepts, or themes with each other, but it also shows us how are we connected to one another and to the world in numerous ways.

Arts integration theory and the theoretical framework were challenging for me because I want to increase my knowledge of what strategies and what music activities can be integrated with specific subjects, concepts, or themes. I also did not know that music develops through teaching and learning through the following aspects such as on music, with music, about music, through music, in music and from music.

I have learned a lot in Study unit 4, and I feel more comfortable to integrate arts and music in my classroom and especially with different subjects. I am ready to be creative with music and arts in the classroom and to see how my learners have developed and grow with these strategies. Hopefully, I can go and teach as soon as possible!

Until next time, Bloggers!