THE RHYTHM FOR READING ONLINE CPD BLOG

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

Are your baseline assessments showing you which children can decode words, but missing those who cannot yet read fluently enough to access learning?

Dr Marion Long

Published on: 06/09/2026

Single word tests show which children decode accurately. Reading connected text aloud can show the extent to which a child can hold meaning across a sentence.

Baseline reading assessmentreads fluently but no comprehensionchild can read but doesn't understand what they readreading for pleasurelearn differentlyrhythm based reading intervention UK

From Playground to Page: The rhythm of play.

Dr Marion Long

Published on: 26/07/2026

Long before children learn to read, rhythm shows up in how they play. What clapping games, ball games and songs reveal about reading readiness.

reading for pleasureinclusive teaching and learningrhythm blocks in reading

Summer Reading: What children really read in the holidays and how to get to know your new class as readers

Dr Marion Long

Published on: 19/07/2026

What children read in the summer holidays (unobserved and unmeasured) reveals more than any score. Plus a free Summer Reading Quiz for your new class.

summer readingreading for pleasurehome reading environmentinclusive teaching and learningback to schoolpupil reading survey

If they know the sounds, why doesn't their reading flow?

Dr Marion Long

Published on: 16/03/2026

Children who know their sounds but don’t read fluently need more than phonics. Rhythm-based learning bridges the gap between decoding and fluency.

reading for pleasurephonics and fluencyphonemic awarenessrhythm-based reading interventionreading fluency

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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