#28: Teach Reading with Music… No Singing Required!
Whether you’re an undiscovered American Idol who can belt out every tune in the book or someone who breaks into a sweat at the thought of singing, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving into an unexpected, powerful teaching tool: music! And here’s the best part—you don’t need to sing to make it work.
Our guest expert, Jocelyn Manzanerez, founder of Musically Minded, has cracked the code for using music to boost literacy skills. Her innovative strategies help students make connections, build fluency, and develop a love for reading—all without requiring you to channel your inner Beyoncé.
Why Music and Literacy Are a Perfect Match
Decades of research show that music engages the brain in unique ways, making it a powerhouse for learning. Here’s why it works:
- Boosts Memory: Rhythm and repetition in music help students remember phonics patterns, sight words, and more.
- Builds Engagement: Music captures attention and keeps students motivated to learn.
- Supports All Learners: From struggling readers to advanced students, music provides an accessible, inclusive learning experience.
But here’s the game-changer: you don’t have to sing to use music effectively in your classroom. Jocelyn’s approach focuses on simple literacy chants and activities that anyone can implement, no microphone required.
Jocelyn’s Top Tips for Teaching Literacy Through Music
- Start with Chants, Not Songs
Forget about full-on performances—Jocelyn recommends starting with easy, rhythmic chants. These can be as simple as clapping along to letter sounds or using a call-and-response format for sight words.Example:
Teacher: “C-A-T!”
Students (clapping): “C-A-T, cat!” Chants provide structure and repetition, helping students internalize key skills without the pressure of singing. - Integrate Movement
Combine music with movement to help students connect physically with their learning. This could be stomping out syllables, snapping fingers to letter sounds, or doing a quick dance to celebrate decoding a tricky word. Movement isn’t just fun—it supports kinesthetic learners and keeps the whole class engaged. - Keep It Simple
No need for a full band or complex playlists. Jocelyn’s favorite tools include:- A simple tambourine or hand drum for keeping rhythm
- Recorded chants or beats for background support
- Clapping, snapping, or tapping desks for a low-tech alternative
- Focus on Phonemic Awareness
Jocelyn emphasizes that music is especially effective for teaching phonemic awareness. Chants and rhythmic activities help students isolate, blend, and manipulate sounds—essential skills for early reading success. - Build Confidence
The goal isn’t to create mini pop stars—it’s to help students feel confident in their reading journey. Keep the focus on fun, participation, and celebrating progress.
Real Teachers, Real Results
Teachers who have tried Jocelyn’s approach are seeing incredible results. From improved reading fluency to skyrocketing student engagement, the feedback is clear: this works.
Here’s what one teacher shared:
“I was so nervous to try music in my classroom because, well, I don’t sing. But Jocelyn’s literacy chants were a game-changer. My students love them, and I’m seeing huge growth in their decoding skills!”
Ready to Try It?
You don’t need to be the next American Idol to teach literacy through music—you just need to take that first step. Try one of Jocelyn’s simple chants or add a rhythmic twist to your next lesson and watch your students light up.
IN THIS EPISODE, we’ll talk about…
- Quick phonics chants you can use in your classroom TOMORROW (spoiler alert: you DON’T have to carry a tune!)
- The simple tweak that makes the age-old alphabet song 10X more effective for kids
- Why music is not just for kindergarteners plus easy ways to hook older students with it too
- The surprising downside to Youtube music videos
Download your free alphabet chant
Click the big blue “DOWNLOAD HERE” button to grab your free alphabet chant to start bringing music into your classroom today.
LINKS
Watch the interview video in the Science of Reading Formula vault
Musically Minded 360 on Instagram
Musically Minded’s Free Lyric Sheet and Video
Musically Minded’s Alphabet Song
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!
WHAT TO LISTEN TO NEXT
Rate, Review, and Follow
If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.
Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”. Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you’re there, be sure to follow the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don’t want you to miss out! Follow right here.
