Art Form(s)
Music and Songwriting
Title
Singing the Words: Using Music to Teach and Encourage Reading
Target Audience
Elementary music teachers, k-3 teachers and Reading Specialists who work with early elementary students and who are interested in incorporating music into their instruction.
Topic
The topic of the workshop is using simple songs and group verse writing to explore and teach reading decoding and comprehension strategies.
Rationale
At the early primary level, (grades k-2,) teaching basic decoding skills is a central reading objective for teachers. Songs can help reinforce decoding strategies. As students move beyond the basics of decoding in later grades, comprehension takes on greater and greater importance. The strategies of reading comprehension can be explored and taught through musical activities, to reinforce reading instruction in the classroom, as well as to build greater understanding of music and lyrics. Skills such as determining importance, developing sensory images, questioning and inferring can be developed through singing and group writing involving both oral and kinesthetic activities. As literacy takes on greater importance in education, it is important for music teachers to understand literacy approaches and to know how to tie some of their instruction to these curricular goals.
Teachers will be able to lead students in five simple songs which encourage reading skills.
Teachers will appreciate connections between singing and teaching reading.
Teachers will know where to find further resources in the topic.
Teachers will know how to lead simple songwriting activities.
Teachers will be able to identify six common reading comprehension strategies.
Approach
The workshop leader will teach songs which can help with decoding strategies. He will discuss reading comprehension strategies through an in-depth exploration of the song “Jenifer Montgomery.” He will lead participants in simple group songwriting activities which encourage comprehension. He will lead activities which include rhythm, rhyme, patterning, and percussion. He will offer resources for further study.
Length of Workshop
3 hours total, but can adapted for shorter time periods.
Description
In this workshop, participants will learn songs, writing techniques and music methods, which can improve reading decoding and comprehension skills in elementary-aged readers. Simple songs draw on different learning styles and motivate children to engage with reading strategies. Participants will learn songs and will learn to lead activities linked to these songs. Reading specialists and special education teachers will also benefit from this workshop.
Logistical Factors
Chairs in a circle for all participants, visible clock, paper and pens, large sheets of paper, tape recorder, simple percussion instruments