6 Ways Music Can Improve Child Literacy

It may sound surprising, but music and literacy go hand-in-hand. Research has shown that music can have a profound effect on psychological and mental health. It can calm you down and help you focus. Music also can improve the imagination and expand the mind in new ways. Here are a few more ways how music can help your child become more literate.

It Establishes a Foundation of Practice

When your child is learning a new instrument, they’ll need to exercise good practice habits. Neuroscience shows that setting up a regular practice routine fundamentally changes the way our neurons fire. Practicing helps a person think in more dynamic ways, which can improve their learning instincts. It would be beneficial to create a space in your home for practicing, so find a spare room that allows for privacy as well as the ability to create a little noise without disrupting other members of the family. According to HomeAdvisor, it costs an average of $1,642 to soundproof a room in your home, so plan accordingly.

Music Improves Attention and Focus

According to The Guardian, certain kinds of music can help to reduce distraction. Musical training requires a high level of attention to detail and focused exertion. It’s especially helpful when listening to or playing music you like. When your child is playing music, help them find the beauty in the music they’re playing, or help them play music they’re interested in. This can be translated into reading, as reading itself requires some focus as well.

Memory Is a Key Part of Reading

Studies have demonstrated music is one powerful way to strengthen the connection between emotion and memory. This can improve cognitive function and build new links that further promote memorization. Memory is vital for literacy. Given how important it is to develop strong reading comprehension skills, music can help improve your child’s memory and give them greater understanding.

It Rewires the Brain to Listen in New Ways

Studies in neuroscience have found that active engagement with music enhances the neuroplasticity of the brain. This helps the brain change and adapt over the years. This kind of active engagement also helps the listener learn how to identify melodies, background music, and even different instruments and harmonies. This aids in literacy development as your child becomes more engaged with reading and develops and uses different parts of their brain.

Playing Music Helps the Brain Process Language

According to the Washington Post, research has shown that musical training can help to improve phonological awareness and also aids in the processing of complex auditory awareness. This can help your child with literacy as they understand words, their pronunciation, sounds, and meanings. These are important skills for anyone that is learning to read.

Expanded Vocabulary

Research has shown that music, especially music with lyrics, has the ability to expand an individual’s vocabulary. Exposure to music more frequently is associated with an even more powerful effect. Try exposing your child to music from all types, from classical music and jazz to classic rock and rap. There’s so much they can learn and apply into their own education.

Music is powerful and has the ability to expand your mind and enhance the neuroplasticity of your brain. It can give your child a soundtrack to their own life, along with the books they encounter. Music can pump you up and improve your empathy as well. Take time to help your child learn a new instrument and encourage them to read more. They’ll appreciate the benefits that come from the educational value of making music.

Author: Charles Carpenter created HealingSounds.info. He believes in the power of music and sound as a healing tool. He is based in San Antonio, Texas.

A similar article on music and learning can be found here at myaudiosound.