A positive relationship exists between sensitivity to rhythm and progress in reading.
A reflection on early development that explores how rhythm forms the foundation for learning — not just in music or movement, but in speech, attention and human connection. From birth, infants build social engagement through rhythmic interaction.
Over the past 12 years, I’ve spent time in schools listening closely to pupils, collecting data, and noticing the quiet patterns that shape progress. This post reveals the trends that emerged over this time.
It is ten years since the publication of: ‘Does music training enhance literacy skills?’ The authors described a ‘rapidly accumulating body of evidence’ and listed reports of significant associations between musical training and language skills.
There are many challenges facing schools today, and yet, the work gets done and children are educated because the values of our education system are upheld by the extraordinary professionals who dedicate their lives to teaching.
“It’s only an hour that they have with your over the time that you come in over the six weeks and for it to be able to make, for a lot of them, up to a year’s difference in their reading ability is quite amazing really.”
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