Teaching Reading with Songs in 5 Easy Steps

Teaching Reading with Children’s Songs: Does Music Really Help Kids Learn to Read?

Many parents wonder, “How can I make reading fun and effective for my child?” The answer might be closer than you think—and it sounds like music! Using children’s songs to teach reading is one of the most joyful and powerful ways to build literacy skills.

When children sing, they’re not just having fun—they’re learning rhythm, rhyme, vocabulary, and phonemic awareness, all essential parts of early reading development. Classic tunes and catchy choruses help children recognize patterns and remember words long after the music stops.

In the article “Teaching Reading with Children’s Songs,” published in The Old Schoolhouse^® Magazine, you’ll discover how music can turn language lessons into lively, memorable learning moments. Read the full article inside the magazine here.

Want to explore more?

• Learn how to use music to teach reading skills.
  
• Try fun phonics lessons like All About the Alphabet on SchoolhouseTeachers.com.
  
• Or add a spiritual twist by using songs to teach Scripture.
  

Ready to read, sing, and learn anywhere?
Download The Old Schoolhouse^® Magazine app at TOSApps.com, and enjoy inspiring homeschool content wherever you go.

FAQs

1. How can songs help children learn to read?
Songs naturally build phonemic awareness, rhythm, and vocabulary. When kids sing, they connect sounds to letters and words in a fun, memorable way.

2. What kinds of songs work best for teaching reading?
Simple, repetitive children’s songs that use rhyme and rhythm are ideal. Think nursery rhymes, Bible songs, and classic tunes.

3. Can music help older students too?
Yes! Older learners can benefit from song lyrics, poetry set to music, or even writing their own songs to reinforce reading comprehension and expression.