, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE TO ANSWER YOUR ASSIGNMENT
SECTION A: MUSIC, DANCE AND DRAMA
ACTIVITY 1:
1.1. Name two ways toddlers develop their musical skills according to researchers.
Imitation: Toddlers develop their musical skills by imitating sounds and rhythms they hear
around them. This process helps them develop pitch recognition and rhythm awareness as they
mimic the sounds produced by their caregivers or in their environment (Trehub, 2003).
Movement and Dance: Another way toddlers develop musical skills is through movement,
such as dancing to rhythms or clapping along to music. Engaging in these activities helps them
connect physical movement with musical patterns, reinforcing rhythm and coordination (Limb
& Braun, 2008).
1.2. Evaluation of music. Discuss how music can support the development of other learning
areas such as numeracy and literacy, in the Foundation Phase. Provide examples from your
teaching experience or observations.
Development of Literacy
Music plays a significant role in enhancing literacy skills in the Foundation Phase. It helps develop
phonemic awareness, vocabulary, and listening skills, which are essential for reading and writing.
Phonemic Awareness: Singing songs and rhymes encourages children to recognize and
manipulate sounds in words. For instance, songs with rhyming words or alliteration improve
children’s ability to distinguish different sounds, which is a foundational skill for reading
(Anvari, Trainor, Woodside, & Levy, 2002).
Vocabulary Building: Through music, children are exposed to new words, phrases, and
language structures. Songs often introduce words in context, aiding in vocabulary acquisition.
For example, using a song like "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" helps children learn animal
names and sounds, enriching their vocabulary (Gordon, 2011).
Listening Skills: Music encourages children to focus and listen carefully, which supports their
ability to follow oral instructions and engage in conversations. By listening to melodies, they
also learn rhythm and timing, which contributes to the natural flow of speech (Hanna-Pladdy,
2008).
Development of Numeracy
Music also fosters numeracy skills in young learners by connecting rhythm and patterns with
mathematical concepts such as counting, sequencing, and pattern recognition.
Counting and Rhythm: Songs and clapping games involving rhythmic patterns can help
toddlers learn to count, recognize sequences, and understand numbers. For example, songs like
"Five Little Ducks" support counting in an engaging way, encouraging children to count
forwards and backwards (Hannon & Trainor, 2007).
SECTION A: MUSIC, DANCE AND DRAMA
ACTIVITY 1:
1.1. Name two ways toddlers develop their musical skills according to researchers.
Imitation: Toddlers develop their musical skills by imitating sounds and rhythms they hear
around them. This process helps them develop pitch recognition and rhythm awareness as they
mimic the sounds produced by their caregivers or in their environment (Trehub, 2003).
Movement and Dance: Another way toddlers develop musical skills is through movement,
such as dancing to rhythms or clapping along to music. Engaging in these activities helps them
connect physical movement with musical patterns, reinforcing rhythm and coordination (Limb
& Braun, 2008).
1.2. Evaluation of music. Discuss how music can support the development of other learning
areas such as numeracy and literacy, in the Foundation Phase. Provide examples from your
teaching experience or observations.
Development of Literacy
Music plays a significant role in enhancing literacy skills in the Foundation Phase. It helps develop
phonemic awareness, vocabulary, and listening skills, which are essential for reading and writing.
Phonemic Awareness: Singing songs and rhymes encourages children to recognize and
manipulate sounds in words. For instance, songs with rhyming words or alliteration improve
children’s ability to distinguish different sounds, which is a foundational skill for reading
(Anvari, Trainor, Woodside, & Levy, 2002).
Vocabulary Building: Through music, children are exposed to new words, phrases, and
language structures. Songs often introduce words in context, aiding in vocabulary acquisition.
For example, using a song like "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" helps children learn animal
names and sounds, enriching their vocabulary (Gordon, 2011).
Listening Skills: Music encourages children to focus and listen carefully, which supports their
ability to follow oral instructions and engage in conversations. By listening to melodies, they
also learn rhythm and timing, which contributes to the natural flow of speech (Hanna-Pladdy,
2008).
Development of Numeracy
Music also fosters numeracy skills in young learners by connecting rhythm and patterns with
mathematical concepts such as counting, sequencing, and pattern recognition.
Counting and Rhythm: Songs and clapping games involving rhythmic patterns can help
toddlers learn to count, recognize sequences, and understand numbers. For example, songs like
"Five Little Ducks" support counting in an engaging way, encouraging children to count
forwards and backwards (Hannon & Trainor, 2007).
