Music Program Improves Reading in Children

​Lifelong music educator Ann Kay has devoted her retirement to using music to help children read better.  Two years ago she and her husband bought an old city bus.

They drove it to North Minneapolis and turned it into a mobile computer lab outfitted with innovative sing-along software that research shows helps students make rapid improvements in literacy. 

​Kay’s “Rock ‘n’ Read” nonprofit has also helped establish computer labs in several Minneapolis public schools.

Singing and “steady-beat activities” result in better auditory processing, which is associated with higher reading achievement, Kay said. Selcer said it was important look at all available tools in helping struggling students, and the “startling results” of the “simple yet potentially powerful” method were worth exploring further.

MINNESOTA LEGISLATURE TO
​FUND RESEARCH

Sponsored by Rep. Yvonne Selcer  (Mtka), a proposed bill would provide money to explore the effects of the music software on student reading ability at three Minnesota schools, using assessments developed by the University of Minnesota.

The pilot program would be aimed at students reading below grade level, she said, and would reach up to 150 students in grades 3 to 5 in each school.

A companion bill sponsored by Sen. Alice Johnson (Blaine), awaits action by the Senate Finance Committee.

Other Studies

Music to Enhance Reading Skills of
2nd Graders w/wo disabilities

Can Music Be Used to Teach Reading?