Maroc - NEWSDAY.CO.TT - A la Une - 17/Aug 03:06

Pan as an educational catalyst

Mary Cuffy THE UN’s recognition of World Steelpan Day, marked a historic moment for TT, as the global community finally acknowledged what we’ve known for generations – that our national instrument represents far more than musical innovation. This steel percussion marvel, born from the creativity of our ancestors who transformed oil barrels into instruments of beauty, now stands as a powerful educational tool with the potential to shape young minds. Recent celebrations on August 11 reminded us that while we rightly take pride in the steelpan’s cultural significance, we must also recognise its untapped potential in our classrooms, particularly in developing crucial literacy skills from early childhood. Research continues to demonstrate the remarkable connection between musical training and cognitive development, with the steelpan offering unique advantages. Its distinct tonal qualities help children differentiate between sounds, laying the foundation for phonemic awareness – that critical ability to recognise and manipulate the smallest units of language. When children engage with the steelpan, they’re not just learning music; they’re developing neural pathways that support reading readiness through rhythm patterns that mirror speech cadences and melodic structures that reinforce language acquisition. The natural pairing of singing with playing creates multiple avenues for sound recognition, while the physical act of striking the pans enhances both fine motor skills and auditory processing. Globally, education systems have successfully harnessed traditional art forms to boost literacy outcomes. India’s Kathalaya programme uses storytelling theater techniques, while Finland’s “Playful Literacy” approach integrates drama and visual arts into daily lessons – methods that contribute to their renowned educational success. In Cape Town, South Africa, townships, dance-based literacy programmes have shown measurable improvements in letter recognition. These international examples prove that culturally rooted, arts-integrated learning yields results, yet TT possesses something even more powerful – an instrument deeply embedded in our national identity that can serve as both a cultural touchstone and educational catalyst. The steelpan’s potential extends beyond music education; it represents a holistic approach to child development that honors our heritage while preparing children for academic success. As we reflect on another successful World Steelpan Day celebration, we must ask ourselves how much longer we will underutilise this national treasure in our schools. The opportunity exists to create a truly innovative educational model where children learn language fundamentals through steelpan instruction, developing literacy skills while connecting with their cultural roots. Such an approach wouldn’t just produce better readers – it would nurture well-rounded individuals who carry forward our musical traditions while excelling academically. Our educators and policymakers have before them a chance to implement a program that could become a model for the Caribbean and beyond, proving once again that TT leads the world in both musical innovation and educational creativity. The steelpan has already shown its power to unite communities across ethnic and socioeconomic lines; now it’s time to harness that power in our classrooms, creating harmonious minds ready to learn, grow, and contribute to our nation’s future. The instrument our ancestors created from discarded materials has become a symbol of our resilience and creativity – let’s make it equally symbolic of our commitment to educational excellence and childhood development. The post Pan as an educational catalyst appeared first on Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.