Kids love the music. From the cradle, they listen to lullabies and as they get older, you will discover that music is an integral part of their growth and learning. However, did you ever think that those sweet melodies could help them learn to read?
Learn to read It is a difficult task for a small child. According to him US Department of Education, most children learn to read by the age of seven, and some even earlier. How can listening to melodies that make them sing and dance help make children better readers?
There is a lot of evidence and studies on the benefits of music. Even stroke patients can learn to speak again when certain melodies are put into their brains.
According to studies, melodies that were brought to classrooms through an innovative project, yielded retention rates of 93 percent. Furthermore, many of these children continued their education.
Unfortunately, many school systems do not have the resources to provide such benefits, and children suffer.
Music and the Brain Project for schools in trouble
It is imperative to bring more melodies to schools to promote learning of all kinds, but it is essential for reading. Music and the Brain was created to help improve math, English, and literacy. The program is used in nearly 300 schools across the country.
They first conducted independent research studies, beginning in Queens, New York. They tested the children at the beginning of the school year and once more at the end. However, they implemented this program that brought harmonies to the classroom.
The results were amazing. Almost twenty percent of the students in a single school increased their vocabulary. Additionally, more than twenty-five percent had improved verbal sequencing. The students who did not participate in these therapies only showed a two percent increase in their vocabulary skills.
It is not only theories that bring more melodies to classroom work, since there is scientific evidence behind them.
How listening to music can help children to read
Everyone has that song that transports you to another time and place when you listen to it. Maybe you remember a past love, a special event, or even a movie that turned your emotions around. Melodies can motivate everyone, from a baby to an elderly person, and you can use this motivation to your advantage.
Did you know that singing your favorite song can lift your spirits and make you happy? Why do you think they play songs in the gym while you work out? They know that you will enjoy your routine better if you are motivated by the melodies.
When it comes to learning, these harmonies can stimulate the brain to help with literacy. Here are some ways those rhythms can Help your child’s reading.
Music strengthens attention and focus
In early childhood, many parents find that maintaining their child’s focus and attention is impossible. Your brain still has a lot to learn and calm down, so this area can make reading challenging. Music training requires them to focus as it requires a lot of attention.
When you play some tunes that your child likes, it helps him to be more interested in the activities around him. Have you ever put on some tunes while cleaning and doing mundane chores? They certainly focused less on the tedious task and more on the vocals.
Reading requires your child to be focusedbut music can be the bridge that connects your child’s focus so they can learn.
music improves memory
Children can remember anything except when you tell them to clean their room. Through studies conducted, experts have discovered that melodies are a great way to help link emotion and memory.
When it comes to reading, memory is vital, as much of learning the alphabet is about memorization. For your child to develop comprehension skills, he needs her mind to be sharp. When it comes to music, your child’s memory can improve and they will better understand the learning concepts.
Letters expand vocabulary
Early childhood requires your child to learn new words. These words are based on her experiences. They usually say mommy or daddy first, which they hear repeatedly.
When you expose your child to certain tunes, it has a powerful effect on their little mind. Literacy requires that they learn more words to expand your vocabularyand what better way to do it than by listening to the lyrics of the songs?
While you probably have a preferred gender, it’s best if you expose your child to all types. From classical tunes to hip hop to jazz, your child will build her vocabulary and apply what she learns to her education.
Music increases auditory sequencing
Have you ever played the game «Memory»? It is a fun game to play in early childhood as it helps to remember. You must turn over the game pieces and find the pair by remembering the other pieces that you have previously turned over. Kids love it, but it’s very good for helping them develop their brain’s organizational ability.
The same thing happens when they listen to songs. They use auditory sequencing, which is essential for reading. When your children listen to fast or slow melodies, they learn to distinguish between the two sounds.
A song follows a pattern; your child will listen and respond. What’s going on internally is that his brain is organizing these sounds in order, something they must learn to do in order to comprehend reading.
Children learn that practice makes perfect
When your son learned to walk, he fell more than he took steps. They had to practice before they developed the skill. In early childhood, the exercise of good practice habits is important for reading and many other things.
Your child can enhance their learning instincts simply by engaging in music. Why can some children quickly learn to play the piano at such a young age? Their brain is moldable and their learning songs inspire and push them to do more.
Help with print awareness
Print awareness is a fabulous thing when your child is learning to read and write. Your children can often recognize billboards, signs, and magazines without your telling them. It is because the background of the image draws their attention and the printed concepts help them to learn through the printed text. The same is true when you let children read a printed lyric sheet in sync with their favorite lullaby.
If you’ve ever had to memorize a poem or song for school, you may have discovered that the best way to learn this is by repeating it. The more you quote it, the easier it will be for your brain to remember it. In early childhood, many teachers help with literacy by introducing songs and rhymes to help them learn new concepts. Even simple songs about tying your shoes help them learn.
Teachers learned that during these songs, they could provide opportunities for language experience. When the child sees the exact words printed on the materials, she will identify these words simply by the configurations and similarities.