ALL ABOUT MAPEH

RUSSEL JOHN M. RONQUILLO

MAPEH, which stands for music, arts, physical education, and health, has great importance in everyday life.

It has an encompassing coverage of music, art, physical education, and health, which all provide an outlet for relaxation.

It also seeks to expose students to and develop appreciation for Philippine, Asian, and Western music and provide students with up-to-date information, fresh inputs, and skill-enhancing activities that will arouse their interest in music, nurture their creative potential in art, build up physical fitness, promote consciousness about their own health, and ultimately develop their well-being.

This is aligned with the Department of Education's latest curriculum, which seeks to foster the learners' appreciation of the arts, improve their creativity and thinking skills, and help them become healthy and productive citizens.

Remember, nusic and art are important in brain development. Learning about and being exposed to these art forms trigger changes in the brain that allow greater learning and also allow children who have talents in these areas to feel success.

The subject also provides an outlet for many kids who need a break from academics during the day, and usually a prep time for teachers.

Art and music provide students an outlet for creative thinking, and validate the selfesteem and confidence of children. Knowing about these things (and a variety of other things) produce a well-rounded person.

--oOo-The author is Teacher III at Diosdado Macapagal Memorial High School, Floridablanca, Pampanga