1. Using Music and Rhythm to Improve Vocabulary
Melanie Mursau, M.S., CCC-SLP Bonduel Elementary School

2. The Importance of Rhythm and Timing for Language and Learning
From Interactive Metronome University:

3. The Importance of Rhythm and Timing for Language and Learning Continued

4. The Importance of Rhythm and Timing for Language and Learning Continued

5. How to Use Music and Rhythm In Vocabulary Development in the classroom
Use your favorite radio songs!
Whole class activity on the Smart Board (you tube version with lyrics)
Have the class clap along to the rhythm
Use midline crossing motions (tap right hand on left shoulder to the beat while the song is playing. Then cue to switch sides)
Children can read along to the music. (Hearing the songs over and over will allow them to auditorily memorize the songs. They then SEE the words they already know are coming to improve reading skills)
Use songs the children already know the words to…you’d be surprised how many know all the words to the Pop songs on the radio!

6. How to Use Music and Rhythm In Vocabulary Development in the classroom
Use Parodies
Kids already know the melody and have a good feel for the tempo for songs they are familiar with. Use YouTube to find educational parodies
(Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop”)
Use the same song over and over
This will allow for multiple opportunities to practice the same tempo to help improve rhythm and timing
Children will memorize they lyrics and begin to feel how the words are placed in the rhythm of the song

7. How to Use Music and Rhythm In Vocabulary Development in the classroom
Use You Tube to find songs related to classroom content
Examples:
Science vocabulary words
Math vocabulary words and concepts
Phonemic awareness
Synonyms and Antonyms
Sight Words
Social Studies
Grammar parts
Social stories
ACT/SAT/Grade Level vocabulary words
Possibilities are endless…

8. Song Examples
Science Vocabulary Words
Atoms
Periodic Table
Matter

9. Song Examples Math Vocabulary and Concepts Order of Operations
Multiplication
Variables
Subtraction
Count by 5s

10. Song Examples Phonics and Phonemic Awareness Magic E Rhyming
Letter names/sounds
Alphabet

11. Song Examples Synonyms and Antonyms/Figurative Language
Synonym Symphony
Synonyms, Antonyms, Homonyms
Figurative Language

12. Song Examples
Sight Words
More sight words

13. Song Examples Social Studies People in Our Community
The 3 Government Branches Rap

14. Song Examples Grammar Parts Parts of Speech Commas Pronouns
Past tense verbs

15. Song Examples
Social Skills
Bullying
Respect

16. Song Examples Vocabulary Words SAT Vocabulary Words
SAT Words to Frozen’s Let it Go
4th Grade Vocabulary Words

17. To sum it up…
Research shows that strong rhythm skills and learning are inseparable
Encourage tapping and clapping to songs in your classroom
Repeat the songs several times to give the kids a chance to really internalize the song.
Use lyrics on screen when to can to incorporate reading with the rhythm
And finally….

18. HAVE FUN WITH IT!!!! Let’s get clapping….!