This program (held during or after-school) uses rhythm to increase fluency. Students use rhythm as a way to move through words. They are inspired to read when they hear and feel the rhythm. A stronger connection between the reader, story and teacher is created.

We were awarded a grant by Target stores to fund our 4 week program. Third grade students at Westminster Avenue Elementary School in Venice met twice a week, 45 minutes per session for one month.

The following chart shows the significant results achieved. The fluency tests are from Open Court Reading, the text book used in the majority of elementary schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Unit 1 fluency tests were given at the end of November 2003, prior to participating in the Reading and Rhythm program. Students were then tested 4 weeks later in December when the program ended. The unit 2 fluency tests that were administered are actual Open Court tests. They are equivalent to the unit 2 tests students are given at the end of January 2004.