The Reading and Rhythm Program uses rhythm to increase fluency. Students use rhythm as a way to move through words. A stronger connection between the reader, story and teacher is created.

The Reading and Rhythm Program connects the fight response in the amygdala part of the brain to the intellect of the frontal cortex.  The amygdala perceives a life threatening situation which then creates a fight or flight response.  Similar experiences happen to poor readers who shut down and mentally run away (flight) from reading.  By redirecting the fight response to the intellect, the Reading and Rhythm Program is empowering kids to fight for an education.

Program Goals

• Increase reading fluency through the use of rhythm with our seven structural rules
• Provide educational / psychological strategies to eliminate poor reading habits
• Enable readers to focus more on content thereby improving comprehension
• Use rhythm as a way to read faster
• Motivate and inspire students to read more often
• Increase self-esteem and self-confidence

Program Specifics

• The school selects struggling readers for our program
• DFYL Facilitator works with students twice a week, 60 minutes per session for 6 weeks
• Students are tested for fluency and accuracy before and at the end of the program

Cost: $125 per session

Teachers

Reading & Rhythm Program is designed for teachers K-12 to improve students' fluency, accuracy, and comprehension. No formal musical training is needed. All participants will be drumming on books or folders which will be provided.

Training Specifics

Two days (2.5 hours each day) or One day (5 hours)
Designed to take place during the week
Each person will receive an instructional DVD and a Certificate of Completion

1st Session – 2.5 Hours
Objectives

• Learn how rhythm (drumming) works to break through psychological barriers towards reading
• Learn the seven structural rules of the program to eliminate poor reading habits
• Learn how to use tempo (metronome - beats per minute) to increase fluency
• Learn to understand how rhythm increases focus and concentration
• Learn how to interpret reading impediments
• Experience the Trust exercise to increase self-esteem & self knowledge

2nd Session – 2.5 Hours
Objectives

• Each teacher will lead a group through the program
• Learn to work your voice with the rhythm
• Learn to hold the focus of a group while working with individuals
• Learn to test students while drumming

Note: If both training sessions are conducted in one day, there will be a one-hour break between first & second sessions.