Singing While Reading

[psreit]

My dd has some struggles with reading. I'm not sure how much is eye teaming (which has always been a problem) or how much is processing. I found it interesting that when dd was reading the other day, she started singing the words (making up her own tune). For a while the words just flowed. It was as if putting the words to music opened up something in her that just helped the words to click. I have known for a while that music is a strong point in her. Since she was little she has loved to sing, and I even hear her whistling a lot (sometimes songs, sometimes not), although it is a very high-pitched whistle, which my sensitive ears can't handle sometimes. She told me once that putting some classical music on while she worked, helped her concentrate better. I haven't been doing that lately. Maybe I should get back to that again. Maybe when I'm reading history and science to her, I should sing it. Really, does anyone have a child who learns better through music. If so, how do you incorporate it into HOD?

[chillin'inandover]

Pam,
Music is very therapeutic for the brain. The company Advanced Brain Technologies uses music as a technique for therapy. We have used this. Glad that your dd is making progress and music is a piece of the puzzle. The CDs in HOD for Bible memorization are working great for my kiddos with memory issues. I love to hear the kiddos singing the Bible verses. Keep up with the great teaching. Tammy

[Mommamo]

We also use the memory verse CDs for each level of HOD that we use, and we love them. They are such a great addition to our day.

I have also often put music on while we do school. I highly recommend Mozart. Something about how the harmonies and musical structure is organized helps to organize the brain. (My degree is in music and I did research on it in college when the book "The Mozart Effect" had just come out, but the details aren't coming right now. ) Music from the classical time period in general is helpful, but especially Mozart. I have also enjoyed using Bach with the children (Baroque time period), but I think the best for learning is Mozart. It's so interesting! We listen to a lot of other composers throughout the day.

You might also look into putting her in piano lessons or a music class. If you can find a teacher who will do movement-based, audiation-based music lessons, I highly recommend it. PM me if you want some more information. I had always taught traditional style piano lessons, but since I have started to use more movement-based/audiation-based activities as part of our music instruction during the day, as well as with my piano students, I have seen such a difference in my children's learning in general. Even if you can't find a teacher who teaches this style of music lessons, you could turn on an instrumental classical CD and have her move to it. I also have some suggestions of videos that give ideas of how to move to music that I highly recommend to my students. PM me about those too.

Music is just such an amazing tool, and it fits in so well to our days with HOD.

[psreit]

Tammy - I totally agree that music is great therapy.

Mommamo, Thanks for the tip about Mozart. We have Beethoven and Pachelbel. I'll have to get Mozart. DD has learned Scripture through song. She takes traditional lessons, although she wants to play by ear since she has trouble following the notes becasue of her eyesight. Her teacher is allowing both. She has trouble playing with her left hand because of CP. She has always had excellent pitch and a very nice singing voice. She is in a homeschool choir and a children's choir in church. We do movements here at home for fun sometimes. There is not a problem with rhythm. So, she has many opportunties to exercise her skills. She is very musically minded. I was just amazed at how well she read when she was singing the story in her reader. If you have any other suggestions, feel free to PM me. Thanks for your insight.

[my3sons]

I agree! Putting on some classical music while working sounds like a super idea, as well as continuing with the Corresponding Music in the guides. I don't see any reason why she couldn't 'sing' her poetry each day either - I think that could be fun! We start our day with Christian praise music, and it's LOUD! Lucky we live in the country, or the neighbors would be serenaded with some pretty loud music in the morning. We put on praise music while we get ready for the day and do our chores. Riley, in particular, loves to sing along and whistle (and I do believe I share your sensitive ears and he shares your dd's high-pitched whistle ). Anyway, we really enjoy this, so I thought I'd share that as well. You are doing such a good job of searching out your dd's interests and talents. I imagine she DOES have a lovely singing voice, and I bet it is just downright beautiful to see her singing in the choir. The Lord must be brought great joy from this as well.

In Christ,
Julie

[psreit]

Thanks Julie. We are a musically inclined family, so it was neat how God gave us an adopted daughter who shares that ability. In the last two days, I had two people make a comment about Angie even looking like us. I do enjoy hearing her sing, although she is now at a stage where she acts bashful. When she was 4, she would hog the mic in church when the kids sang. We are in a rural area, but even though the houses aren't right next to us, sound carries well, so we try not to be too loud if the windows are open. I am definitely going to use more music during our school day. Maybe it will encourage more reading.