A Rhythmic View of Reading: From word recognition to reading comprehension

Article

One in five children leave primary school without being able to read. Based on her own research in schools, Marion Long has proposed a new rhythm-based scheme to improve reading amongst low-ability readers in primary schools following research that has linked a child's sense of rhythm to reading ability. In this scheme, children who can't clap in time to a simple piece of music are taught to stamp their feet in time to music for ten minutes a week. When this was trialled in schools, it improved children's reading comprehension.

A submission to IPPR's Britain's Got Brains competition.

One in five children leave primary school without being able to read. Based on her own research in schools, Marion Long has proposed a new rhythm-based scheme to improve reading amongst low-ability readers in primary schools following research that has linked a child's sense of rhythm to reading ability. In this scheme, children who can't clap in time to a simple piece of music are taught to stamp their feet in time to music for ten minutes a week. When this was trialled in schools, it improved children's reading comprehension.

Related items

  1. Scotland: Taxed enough already? Maybe not

    It is possible to make the case for progressive increases in income tax while in government. You can win the argument, and the world won’t come to an end.  
  2. The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, River Thames and Westminster Bridge

    Fairness first: How the budget can make life better and the economy stronger

    The chancellor faces a daunting task at the upcoming budget. A fiscal gap sets the stage, putting the chancellor in the unenviable position of having to raise taxes.
  3. A row of red brick Victorian houses with panoramic views across to the skyscrapers and financial district of the city of London

    Towards a fair and proportional property tax