Applying Invented Music Notation to Support Prosody and Reading Fluency

The importance of reading fluency and prosody cannot be overstated in developing strong readers Prosody refers to the expressiveness one reads, incorporating elements such as intonation, rhythm, and phrasing Reading fluency, however, is reading accurately and quickly with appropriate prosodic features. Both are critical skills that can impact academic success and lifelong learning Samantha Foss noted that invented music notation is one unique method for supporting prosody and reading fluency. Invented music notation involves creating a system of musical symbols to represent the various prosodic features of the language, such as pitch, duration, and emphasis These symbols can then be used with written text, with students required to read the text while following along with the corresponding musical notation.

There are several potential benefits to utilizing this approach in the classroom Firstly, it creates a multisensory experience for students, engaging their visual and auditory senses. This can enhance attention and focus and support students with different learning styles Additionally, using invented music notation can make the sometimes abstract concepts of prosody more concrete and tangible, providing a clear visual representation of how language is meant to sound

Furthermore, research has shown that music and language processing share similar neural substrates Both involve the integration of multiple sensory modalities, as well as the use of timing and sequencing cues. As such, incorporating music into language instruction may offer benefits beyond supporting prosody and reading fluency For example, it may enhance language processing skills, including vocabulary acquisition and comprehension One potential challenge with implementing invented music notation is the need for teachers to develop expertise in creating and utilizing the system effectively However, resources are available to support this process, including professional development opportunities and instructional materials designed specifically for this purpose Additionally, using invented music notation could be incorporated into existing literacy curricula gradually and systematically, allowing teachers and students to become more comfortable with the process over time.

Invented music notation has already been used successfully in several classroom settings. For example, a study conducted by researchers at the University of Georgia found that incorporating musical notation into reading instruction significantly improved reading fluency and prosody among struggling readers. Another study at the University of Kansas demonstrated that using invented music notation alongside traditional phonics instruction led to more significant gains in reading comprehension among second-grade students

In conclusion, invented music notation represents an innovative and potentially valuable tool for supporting prosody and reading fluency. A clear visual representation of language's rhythmic and tonal components can help students develop vital reading skills while engaging multiple senses and potentially enhancing language processing abilities While some initial challenges may be associated with implementing this approach, the potential benefits make it a worthwhile consideration for educators seeking to improve student literacy outcomes