For most people, the Covid-19 shutdowns have been a time of panic – or at the very least, a lack of motivation.
However, for retired schoolteacher Pat van Loggerenberg, it was finally an opportunity to put his years of musical knowledge to good use, creating an exciting music-themed word search book.
A scavenger hunt for musical gems contains 105 handcrafted puzzles, designed to promote learning through play.
Pat is a La Mercy resident with over 40 years of teaching experience across South Africa, with time spent at both Crawford International North Coast and Umhlali Prep locally.
“I have always loved music, from when I learned to play the piano when I was young, throughout my time at Wits University and throughout my years as a music teacher”, she said.
“At that time, I had to learn how to sell music to children, not financially, but in a way that made them interested in the subject.”
At first, Pat found the school musical to be a way to do this, adapting many classics while creating an original Harry Potter jukebox adaptation.
“It wasn’t always easy as the productions could get expensive, but I did everything in my power to fight for them as the kids absolutely lit up when they were playing or watching. There really comes alive at school when there’s a musical.
But she also had to get crafty in class, keeping the children’s focus and interest through handcrafted puzzles.
She found word searches worked the best because they could keep students interested while educating them at the same time.
For Pat, it was also a headache, learning the best way to fit as many words and terms as possible into a word search.
“The lessons I learned from doing these first ones in class definitely made it easier for me when I got down to creating an entire book.”
Pat is shy about her process, but admitted it took her about a week per puzzle in her spare time between playing with her grandchildren and tutoring.
The process took about two years from start to finish, with each word search drawn and verified by hand.
The puzzles are all themed to encompass the entirety of musical history from ancient to modern times.
Some contain musical terms, while others include unusual instruments or famous songs – no two puzzles are the same.
“I hope this will be used by music teachers in their classrooms, but also for children who may be inspired to start their own musical journeys.”
The book is available in South Africa from takealot.com for R350, while it can be purchased internationally from amazon.com.
It is aimed at children aged 10-14, with Pat currently busy with her second book for younger children.
That’s if she can find the time to enjoy her retirement with her husband Carl, her three children and her seven grandchildren.
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