Musical Discovery in Grade R: Play-Based Activity

### 6.1 Play-Based Grade R Activity Demonstrating the Direct Method **Indoor or Outdoor Activity:** The activity is an indoor activity designed to engage young learners in a comfortable and controlled environment. The activity involves a storytelling session followed by a craft-making task where learners create characters or scenes from the story they just heard. **Resources the Learners Will Use for Learning:** 1. **Storybook:** A colorful and engaging storybook suitable for Grade R learners. 2. **Craft Supplies:** Paper, crayons, markers, glue, scissors (safety scissors for young learners), and stickers. 3. **Work Tables:** Low tables and chairs where the children can sit and work comfortably. 4. **Visual Aids:** Flashcards or props related to the story to help learners connect words with images. ### 6.2 Enhancing Learners' Sense of Belonging in the Classroom **Practical Example 1: Personalized Greetings** - **What does the teacher do?** Each morning, the teacher greets each child by name, kneeling down to their level to make eye contact, and asking how they are feeling. - **How does the teacher speak to the learners?** The teacher speaks in a warm and welcoming tone. Phrases like "Good morning, [child's name]! How are you today?" or "It's so nice to see you, [child's name]!" are common. - **How is the classroom enhancing or hindering the learners' sense of belonging?** This personalized greeting helps children feel recognized and valued, fostering a sense of belonging. The classroom environment supports this by having a name chart where each child’s name is displayed, and each child has a designated spot for their belongings. **Practical Example 2: Inclusive Storytelling** - **What does the teacher do?** During the storytelling session, the teacher makes sure to include diverse characters and themes that reflect the backgrounds and experiences of all learners in the classroom. - **How does the teacher speak to the learners?** The teacher uses inclusive language and emphasizes that every child’s background, culture, and family structure are special and important. Words of encouragement like "Everyone is unique and special in their own way," are used frequently. - **How is the classroom enhancing or hindering the learners' sense of belonging?** The classroom setup includes a diversity corner with books, dolls, and posters representing various cultures and family structures. This inclusive environment helps all learners see themselves reflected in the classroom, enhancing their sense of belonging. ### Conclusion By employing practices such as personalized greetings and inclusive storytelling, the teacher actively works to enhance the learners' sense of belonging in the Grade R classroom. The use of specific resources and thoughtful interaction strategies helps reinforce the idea that each child is a valued member of the classroom community.