Gamelan :D

Today, we had our Gamelan class at the Observatory. It was not necessarily what I expected, and at times it was almost uncomfortable [sitting cross legged on the floor for an hour and a half made my feet go to sleep lol - I must have looked very funny when I got up at the end of it lol], but I really enjoyed it.


We played a few different pieces, using all the instruments within the set, and the man told us a bit about the history of Gamelan. Eg, that it originates in Java; that the set is believed to have a soul and the main gong is the keeper of the soul; all the music is cyclical and the gong is played to mark the start of the circle; they count down, rather than up, when starting a piece, because you are counting towards the gong [not away from it]. :)

I played a Puleg first. Then the saron. And, finally, a gendèr.

It was really good fun, even if we did get lost a couple of times.
One of the patterns [for the saron and gendèr] was notes: 3535 2525 3535 2525 6767 5757 6767 5757 2376 5723 [and repeat]. It was quite easy to get lost lol, until you got into the routine, especially as we had to 'silence' the previous note, whilst playing the next. It was a bit like rubbing your belly and tapping your head lol. It sounded pretty good though. :D

It was a nice way to finish. That session [which went onto include some work, with the usual music tutor Sue, on African tribal chanting and dancing] marked the final 'foundation' session of the course. Scary stuff! Eck.

Art Therapy Continued

Not amazingly made. Not perfectly painted. But, pretty enough and all unique. They mark the end of our Art classes. A bit of a shame really - I've really enjoyed them. :)

Alternative Focus Visit: EYFS

Today, I went to a pretty big school [400 pupils] for a visit to their EYFS classes [or reception classes]. It was amazing! :D

Most of my experience, pre-pgce, was in reception and year 1. So, I've always known that it is "my area" of preference. However, so far, my placements have been in 2/3/4 [and that is set to continue - although I have requested EYFS for my 'enhancement weeks' at the end of the course]. Getting back into an EYFS classroom really was fantastic; I had such a lovely time and the children were amazing. :)

I worked with four groups, over the course of the morning. Completing guided reading activities [focusing on language comprehension/story telling, as the books were picture books] and shape/space maths activities. I also observed and talked to some pupils as they completed various independent activities. It was wonderful to see the children take such a sense of responsibility for themselves - they were able to use scissors, clean up after themselves, solve disputes, create learning opportunities etc. The teacher, in turn, was able to focus on her group of children without worrying too much about the rest of the children. Given the row of ducklings [as our university tutor calls them] who used to follow me around in my 2/3/4 placement, it was very refreshing. :)

So, my thoughts now - if I am going to apply for teaching jobs, I definitely want EYFS or KS1. There is nothing wrong with KS2 - nothing at all - but I just think the former are better for me. :)