North-West University research finds practitioners learn about the power of music
Music plays an important role in early childhood development. It enhances cognitive abilities, support language development, promotes social and motor skills and nurture creativity and imagination, among others.
This is why the NWU recently hosted a workshop for practitioners from various Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in the North West province and in the Sedibeng East area.
Benita Taylor and Dr Stef Esterhuizen from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Community-based Educational Research (COMBER) research focus area recently organised this workshop. Themed Kiddi Beat* Practical Workshop, it focused on music education for children aged three to six years. This learning opportunity aimed to not only impart knowledge, but also to share the research that the organisers have been conducting.
The workshop was attended by 35 practitioners who were part of the Bafenyi project in the North West and the Thutopapadi Project in Sedibeng East. Grethe Uren, the director and owner of Kiddi Beat MSP Potchefstroom, presented the practical part of the workshop, which was thoroughly enjoyed by the practitioners.
“Our focus is to promote the total development of the brain while nurturing a love for music in children – this approach makes the learning process enjoyable and interactive,” says Benita.
The workshop consisted of both theoretical and practical components. During the practical part, practitioners were divided into five categories to create musical instruments using recycled materials. Demonstrations and discussions were held to showcase how these instruments could contribute to promoting learning in the early years.
Benita says they are grateful for the National Research Foundation sponsoring the workshop.
* Kiddi Beat is a unique South African music education programme for children from birth to pre-school. The lesson material is specifically written to encompass a variety of music and song styles, cultures and languages reflecting the diversity of the South African population.