A positive relationship exists between sensitivity to rhythm and progress in reading.
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.
Early reading depends on efficient coordination between the ear and the eye for strong associations between letters and their sounds. Voices matter too, as poor oral language skills are a strong predictor of slower progress in literacy.
Since I began doing this work, I’ve found that the most obvious barriers to learning for young children are: fragmented attention, weak inhibition of impulses and an attention span of only a few seconds. Emotional insecurities are also common.
“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.”
© Copyright 2025 Rhythm for Reading Services Ltd All Rights Reserved. - Privacy Policy - Terms & Conditions