The Importance of Teaching Learners Performing Arts in the Foundation Phase Classroom

Abstract

Performing arts as a whole is an important aspect of the creative arts in the early years of a learner and play an important role in the overall development of children's life skills. This study explored the importance of teaching learners performing arts in the Foundation Phase classroom, focusing on teaching strategies, challenges and teacher perceptions. The study was guided by interpretivist paradigm and employed a qualitative research design. The population consisted of Foundation Phase teachers and purposive sample of select six Grade 2 teachers was selected. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, classroom observations and document analysis to ensure triangulation. The data were analysed utilising thematic analysis to identify key patterns and themes. This study was underpinned by the schema theory of Bartlett (1932) which explains how learners construct knowledge through experience. The findings revealed that although teachers recognise importance of teaching performing arts, its effective is limited by challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, lack of resources, insufficient training and limited instructional time. The study recommends improved teacher training, increased resource allocation and stronger curriculum support to enhance effective teaching of performing arts. The recommendations were written based on the real findings that emerged from the study.