Dr Marion LongImproving children’s sensitivity to rhythm helps their focus, phonemic awareness, reading fluency, accuracy and comprehension. In this post, I reference rhythm as a natural aspect of our biology and using real examples, demonstrate the importance of making rhythm a priority for lower attaining readers.
Dr Marion LongIt 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.
Dr Marion LongResearchers have found that the importance of motivation increases as the child’s perception of reading difficulty increases. The reverse is also true. This is why reading 'catch-up' can also feel as if it’s a catch-22 situation.
Dr Marion LongIn the Rhythm for Reading Programme, we introduce the names of musical notes through rapid responses and multi-sensory approaches. In this way, children experience that learning to read in a small group always feels immersive and playful.
“It’s only an hour that they have with you 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.” Year 3 teacher
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