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“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

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“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

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My name is Sonnet Flynn, and I am currently an art and design teacher at an art center in the Boland. I am incredibly passionate about art and all forms of creativity. The most fulfilling aspect of my job is empowering students to tap into their creativity and discover their unique means of self-expression. Each day, I have the privilege of engaging in creative activities and witnessing the joy it brings. Being able to make things on a regular basis is truly a dream come true for me.

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The Art Centre Hugo Naude is where I teach, it is a dynamic and inclusive space dedicated to art education. With its inviting atmosphere and diverse range of artistic disciplines, the center provides a nurturing environment for individuals of all ages and skill levels to explore their creativity. Through workshops, classes, and a passionate team of instructors, students are guided on their artistic journey, developing their skills and gaining a deep appreciation for the arts. The center's commitment to art education extends beyond its walls, as it hosts cultural events and exhibitions that celebrate the transformative power of artistic expression. Hugo Naude Art Centre is a vibrant hub where art education thrives, inspiring and empowering individuals to unlock their artistic potential.

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Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

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As a full-time student and teacher, I have the added responsibility of balancing my own education with my role as an educator. In addition to my commitments as a mother and wife, I also have the important task of preparing lessons, grading assignments, and providing guidance and support to my students. It is crucial for me to prioritize my time effectively, ensuring that I have dedicated moments for both my own learning and for fulfilling my teaching responsibilities. By maintaining a well-structured schedule and finding moments of self-care, I can successfully navigate the demands of being a student, teacher, and fulfilling my other roles in life.

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During Cluster 1 in the ICTS151 module , our assignment was to create a PowerPoint presentation on a subject topic of our choice. Being deeply passionate about art and colour, I naturally chose to explore colour theory. Colours have always captivated me, as they are everywhere in our world and have a profound impact on how we view our environment. They have the power to influence our moods, emotions, and cognitive processes.

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Life Skills Practical: "Teaching Rhythm"

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Life Skills Practical: "Teaching Rhythm"

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I decided to elect Life Skills as one of my modules for my B Ed Degree. The reason behind this choice was my deep passion for the arts. While I have limited knowledge in the areas of physical fitness and drama within Life Skills, I am fortunate to have a strong background in music. Although I haven't received formal training in music, I can play the piano and various other instruments such as the guitar, ukulele, and percussion instruments. In the past, I had the opportunity to facilitate drumming therapy circles at a rehabilitation center for individuals dealing with substance abuse. This experience has proven invaluable during the music module of Life Skills. I firmly believe that incorporating music into any lesson, regardless of the subject, adds a phenomenal dimension to the learning experience.

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Before pursuing my teaching qualifications and becoming an art educator, I dedicated myself to being a full-time artist, specializing in ceramics and illustration. One of my previous projects involved creating a custom set of awards for Settlers High School's drama department. These awards were meticulously crafted from terracotta clay, carefully decorated, and fired with glaze. My passion for sculpting and exploring new methods and techniques has greatly benefited me in my current position as a Product Design teacher for grades 10-12 at the Art School. It allows me to bring a wealth of practical knowledge and creativity to my students.

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A Powerpoint on Cybersecurity for kids. 

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A Powerpoint on Cybersecurity for kids. 

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In this presentation, I explored the topics of cyberspace, social media, and cybersecurity. I discussed the significance of these concepts in today's digital age and the increasing role they play in our lives. I compared various popular platforms and devices commonly used for online interactions, highlighting their unique features and functionalities. Additionally, I delved into the potential dangers associated with social media, shedding light on issues such as hacking, phishing, identity theft, and cyberbullying. To promote online safety and security, I shared valuable tips and strategies on how individuals can protect themselves and their personal information while engaging in digital activities. By covering these important aspects, my presentation aimed to increase awareness and encourage responsible and informed usage of technology and social media platforms.

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During my teaching practice, I had the opportunity to work at Winelands Primary School. It was a particularly special experience because many of the students were already familiar with me from teaching art lessons at the neighboring art school. Winelands is an excellent school with committed educators and amazing students. It was a privilege to be a part of their learning journey.

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Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

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A Powerpoint presentation on My personal Philosophy of Education

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A Powerpoint presentation on My personal Philosophy of Education

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In Cluster One, we were tasked with creating a PowerPoint presentation to express our personal philosophy of education. I have a deep passion for designing and crafting PowerPoint presentations, as I see them as a means of creative expression. It brings a unique and enjoyable element to the learning experience. Although I initially had to overcome my camera shyness and adapt to the presentation aspect, I quickly embraced the challenge.

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Physical well-being is an important aspect of Life Skills, and in this presentation, I demonstrated how I would teach a Road Safety lesson to a grade 4 class. Although it can feel awkward to simulate a lesson with "pretend" students, it offers me a valuable opportunity to practice and build confidence in front of the camera. By engaging in these practice sessions, I am able to refine my teaching techniques and become more comfortable in delivering lessons effectively.

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"Akata Witch" Gameboard Pack and Rationale

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"Akata Witch" Gameboard Pack and Rationale

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Among all the assignments we were given this semester, I can confidently say that the English Home Language assignment stood out as my absolute favorite. The book "Akata Witch" captivated my interest, and applying my creative design skills to the assignment made it feel more like a pleasurable activity than actual work. I was delighted with the final outcome of my efforts, and it seemed that my grades for this assignment accurately reflected the amount of dedication and enjoyment I derived from it.

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Sonnet Flynn 30002265 Task 2C compressed

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"Fun Costume Making for School Plays: Unleashing My Creativity for the School's Stage!"

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"Fun Costume Making for School Plays: Unleashing My Creativity for the School's Stage!"

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Our Art School collaborates with local primary and high schools, actively participating in their school plays. It's a wonderful opportunity for us, as creative art educators, to showcase our talents. Last year, I had the privilege of creating a unique, movable dragon for Winelands Primary. It was both fun and challenging to design it to accommodate all six Grade 7 students. These unexpected creative projects are one of the reasons why I love my job – they constantly challenge me and bring me immense joy.

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The WCED hosts an annual skills competition, and it was an exciting moment last year when our Design learners had the opportunity to participate for the first time. Witnessing their creativity firsthand was truly inspiring. This fashion piece, crafted primarily from paper and limited materials, exemplifies the innovative designs some of the learners produced. Although our team did not win, the experience itself was a valuable reward. I eagerly anticipate entering another team of my talented product design learners in this year's competition, embracing the opportunity to showcase their skills and passion once again.

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I thoroughly enjoyed working on this assignment as it allowed me to indulge in my passion for drawing. It was a valuable exercise in showcasing how an effective lesson can be delivered with minimal materials. I strongly believe in incorporating such lessons in my own classroom as they provide an excellent opportunity to introduce students to the key elements of Art, including tonal values, color, line, shape, and form. A lesson like this also help develop keen observation skills among the learners.

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As an art educator, one of the aspects I truly cherish is the opportunity to take students on field trips to museums and exhibitions. This particular photo was captured during a WCED event, where our learners actively participated in the "Irma Stern: Reimagined" exhibition. It was a special occasion as one of my grade 11 students had their artwork selected for display, allowing us to visit the renowned Irma Stern Gallery. It was a memorable experience for both the student and myself, highlighting the significance of exposing students to such enriching artistic events.

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Art education is often overlooked and regarded as a supplementary subject. However, my perspective on this has always been different. Through extensive research and the TOGI assignments that have prompted my studies, I have discovered numerous evidence-based studies that strongly support the inclusion of art activities and general art education in school curriculums. These studies have shown the valuable impact of art on students' cognitive, emotional, and social development. It is crucial to recognise and embrace the significant role that art education plays in developing well-rounded individuals.

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I hope to be as vibrant and joyful as this fabulous lady as I grow older. My ultimate goal is to continue teaching and inspiring learners to embrace the creative side of life, encouraging them to be their authentic selves and think outside the box. Just like this lady, I hope to instill a sense of wonder and curiosity in my students, guiding them to explore their artistic abilities and express themselves freely. By nurturing their creativity, I believe we can empower the next generation to embrace their uniqueness and make a positive impact on the world.

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As part of my module on Educational Philosophy, I was tasked with creating a lesson plan that focused on developing critical thinking skills. I decided to incorporate my other chosen elective, Social Sciences, into this lesson. Alongside my passion for art and music, I have always held a deep interest in history, as it intertwines with the appreciation of art. For this lesson, I have chosen the topic of Hieroglyphics, which is part of the grade 5 History curriculum, specifically "The way of life in ancient Egyptian society" as outlined in the CAPS curriculum. The lesson plan includes various activities designed to engage learners and promote critical thinking, aligning with the principles presented through Bloom's Taxonomy.

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I find immense joy in observing a vibrant collection of children's artwork. This image shows the artwork created by last year's Grade 4 students, where they were instructed to construct Ndebele huts. It was a wonderful project that not only explored the theme of heritage and diverse dwellings but also incorporated the fundamental elements of art that the students are familiar with. The colourful and expressive creations of the students truly expresses their creativity and understanding of project.

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On occasions when I need to present a demonstration, I have the opportunity to create a sample artwork. There are moments when I become so engrossed in the process that I forget I am the teacher. This particular example was one of those instances where I was completely immersed in the creative journey. I have come to realise the importance of providing a strong example when teaching art. However, I also recognise the value of not always relying on a sample artwork, as it can hinder students' imagination and encourage copying rather than their own unique interpretation.