Toddlers learn through music

Published Wednesday, February 27, 2008
by Lesley Martin

Kennedy Library started its first Reading Music Reading Words class
Wednesday.

The library gave toddlers tambourines, drumsticks and bells to go along
with story time. They encourage creative chaos during story time to help
them develop reading skills.

Studies have shown incorporating music, rhythms and instruments with
reading help children develop language skills.

"The whole patterns, counting, and pacing through music help children to
pace through reading," Jody DelaGardelle, Assistant Librarian said. "I
think a lot of times with a story, a child just listens, but when they
have to pay attention, when they make noise, or when they have to
participate they are learning something."

The class consisted of 14 children ranging from ages three to four, all
having fun but learning at the same time.

The parents who bring their children to Reading Music Reading Words have
seen an improvement in educational skills and will continue to bring
their children each week.

"Music is a great teacher. Children pick up music so young," Anne
Gaydos, a parent whose two sons attend the class, said. "My babies love
listening to music and singing and dancing. I think you accompany that
with words and I think that the learning sinks in even more."

The class was created by a Ball State music professor a couple of years
ago, and Dela Gardelle has been in charge of the class for the last six
years.