THE RHYTHM FOR READING ONLINE CPD BLOG

A positive relationship exists between sensitivity to rhythm & progress in reading.

The courage to perform: What leaders can learn from the children who shine on stage

The courage to perform: What leaders can learn from the children who shine on stage

The courage to perform: What leaders can learn from the children who shine on stageDr Marion Long
Published on: 20/06/2026

The children who struggle most can shine brightest on stage. How rhythm and the courage to perform reveal what a classroom can't — and what leaders can learn.

inhibitory controlexecutive functionsinclusionlearn differentlyreading music
Reading Comprehension, Executive Functions, and Rhythm-Based Learning: A New Frontier in Literacy

Reading Comprehension, Executive Functions, and Rhythm-Based Learning: A New Frontier in Literacy

Reading Comprehension, Executive Functions, and Rhythm-Based Learning: A New Frontier in LiteracyDr Marion Long
Published on: 17/08/2025

Explore how executive functions and rhythm-based learning can transform reading comprehension outcomes in schools. Evidence-based strategies for policymakers and teachers

executive functionsworking memorycognitive flexibilityrhythm for reading for reading comprehension
Phonemes and Executive Functions in Early Reading Development

Phonemes and Executive Functions in Early Reading Development

Phonemes and Executive Functions in Early Reading DevelopmentDr Marion Long
Published on: 24/01/2024

A meta analysis, in which many research studies were compared found significant relationships between decoding print and executive function skills. This challenges the dominant view that word recognition relies on knowledge of phonemes and graphemes.

decodingphonemesphonicsword recognitionRhythm for Readingearly readingexecutive functions
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Marion Long PhD

Dr Marion Long is the founder of Rhythm for Reading and the creator of Rhythm for Reading Online CPD for teachers supporting lower-attaining readers. Her doctorate at UCL Institute of Education investigated the effects of a rhythm-based music intervention on children's reading behaviour. If you would like to discuss having Rhythm for Reading in your school, please visit the bookings page and select the most convenient date and time.

How rhythm defines

phonemic awareness

“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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