Enhancing Language Skills Through Music

Abstract

Researchers and practitioners recognize that musical activities reinforce many aspects of language development. Chanting and rhythmic speaking, singing, and listening are all experiences that support language development. This article describes language-enhancing activities in those three areas and explains how they strengthen language development. Activities involving chanting and rhythmic speaking are helpful in the practice of elements of speech that parallel musical elements and in the exploration of oral reading skills. The singing and chanting activities provide practice in rhythm, form, dynamics, and mood, which are concepts and skills common to language and music. The article also includes considerations for selecting songs appropriate for reinforcing language skills. Finally, examples of music listening activities demonstrate how students may develop all of the modalities of communication, including receiving and transmitting information aurally and receiving and transmitting information visually.