<p> Why do we sing songs and dance during storytime?</p><p>That’s a good question. There is a very strong link between music and reading. Here is what researchers have found about the connection between music and literacy.</p><p>1. Music enhances language learning and Language development</p><p>2. Music can improve speech and reading skills by increasing one’s ability to distinguish between different sounds and understand the patterns of language</p><p>Example: Understanding rhythm can also increase their understanding of rhyming and alliteration patters</p><p>3. Music and Reading similar parts of the brain to and large portions of both sides of the brain</p><p>4. Music helps those with dyslexia because it helps them to create connections which later allow them learn how to read</p><p>5. Music enhances your imagination and your understanding of written language</p><p>6. Music gives confidence to speak orally and use language in general</p><p>7. Music teaches language in a “fun” and relaxed way</p><p>8. Music helps kids to remember stories and information</p><p>9. Beginning readers will attempt to "read" along in a shared reading of a familiar text, just as they will join in a sing along to a familiar song. </p><p>10. Using books put to songs enhance understanding of the story and comprehension of vocabulary or sequence</p><p>11. An EEG indicates music makes the brain more receptive to learning</p><p>Here are some great resources that talk about the music reading correlation. http://www.readinghorizons.com/blog/post/2010/03/22/The-Connection-between-Music- Reading-and-Language-Development.aspx</p><p> http://www.songsforteach Flip Camera Training Introduction ing.com/lb/literacymusic.htm http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/attention-training/201002/music-your-child-s-mind- improving-focus-through-song http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-power-daydreaming/200907/how-music-feeds- and-steers-your-imagination</p>