Music and the Learning Process

Research tells us that exposure to music enhances language development, spatial reasoning skills, socialization, and motivation to communicate. Common sense suggests that music and rhythm play an important role in memory and recall. Think for example about the familiarity of advertising jingles, even ones that you haven't heard for years. Without fail, if I ask a group of people to sing the Campbell's Soup jingle, several people will quickly start singing 'mmm mmm good, mmm mmm good….' Similarly, if you have a favorite song from many years back, chances are that hearing this song will evoke vivid memories of times gone by.

A medical school professor from the East Coast was recently honored by her students and peers for her unique teaching style that incorporates music and rhythm. This particular professor teaches a rather dry subject that most medical students are required to take. Instead of the usual boring methods of lecturing and encouraging students to memorize information, this professor sings and chants songs and rhymes with her students in an effort to cement the learning. Students report that they continue to easily remember the details taught in her classes years after they've graduated (Reported in The Oregonian, Sunday May 27, 2001).

When you attend a SmallTalk Workshop, you will re-learn a variety of modified children's songs and rhymes that will provide you with an opportunity to practice your new Sign Language vocabulary. Workshop participants regularly tell us that incorporating music into the learning environment helps them learn the Signs and gives them a tool to practice at home. Incorporating songs and rhymes into the learning environment also provides a more engaging environment for adults and children. With few exceptions, fussy babies will quiet when the adults begin to sing and sign. For more information on the benefits of music, click on the following links:

Why Teach with Music?
Why Music?
More of the Brain Used When Making Music
Music Makes You Smarter

Thank you to Jill Smith of The Oregonian, for writing such a wonderful feature story on Infant/Toddler Sign Language for the August 16, 2001 Washington County Family Page.

Thank you to Cathy Rozinek from Providence Health System for the referral to Jill Smith of The Oregonian.

Thank you to Stephanie Stricklan and 'Ken the Camera Man' for such a wonderful job capturing Katia on film doing her Signs--We will treasure the experience!

Thank you to Elaine from Albina Head Start for inviting me to your Teachers' Inservice Training.

Thank you to family, friends and clients for all of your enthusiasm and support during this exciting time of great media coverage!

Contact us if you would like to suggest an idea for a future feature article or if you would like to contribute your own success story.