INTRODUCTION

Half way through Term 1!

We are in week 5 and making our way through the first term with ever growing confidence and increased curiosity towards what our learning experiences have afforded us so far. With many open ended challenges extending our prior knowledge and comfort base within many areas of our classroom, we have taken on all experiences with an open mind and open heart. We still have so much more to do, see and experience but feel confident with how we have progressed so far.

Outside of our classroom learning we have continued with our Drumming Workshops. 

The value of music in childhood development is often underestimated. Kids who are involved in drumming, for example, learn to focus their attention and effort on one activity. This improves a child's ability to concentrate and stay focused. It also aids memory. Studies reveal that playing a percussion instrument strengthens skills in maths and science.

Drumming also helps with overall brain development by stimulating the left and right sides of the brain simultaneously. Children have to use different parts of their brains to listen to the music around them, to instruct their bodies to move and create, and to understand a rhythm or to create their own. Playing music develops analytical processes on the left side of the brain and creativity in the right side of the brain. Increased networks between the left and right brain form thick fibers that interconnect the two brains.

Drumming is not only beneficial to children’s mental health and development, it’s also great for helping children develop physical fitness. Drumming increases heart rate and blood flow. Because of this, drumming teaches students about their bodies. The entire body is used while drumming, especially the fingers, hands, wrists, elbows, arms, shoulders and legs. Children also gain a better understanding of the rhythms of their own bodies. The heart has its own steady rhythm needed to keep the body functioning properly and breathing often involves that rhythm, too.

The Sporting Schools Cricket Program began this week and will continue for the next four weeks. This learning experience is made up of practical cricket activities that focus on fun, fitness and friends with the aim of increasing students' confidence and competence.