A Musical Interlude: Using Music and Relaxation to Improve Reading Performance.

Authors: Carlson, Judith K.1 carlson@umkc.edu Hoffman, Janalea Gray, Dorothy Thompson, Alex Source: Intervention in School & Clinic; Mar2004, Vol. 39 Issue 4, p246-250, 5p, 2 Black and White Photographs, 1 Chart, 1 Graph Document Type: Article Subject Terms: *READING *RELAXATION *MUSIC for relaxation *MUSIC -- Psychological aspects *MUSIC -- Physiological effect Abstract: Presents a study that analyzed the use of music and relaxation to improve reading performance of student. Description of the study; Evaluation procedures; Results of the study; Limitations of the study. Author Affiliations: 1 Assistant professor, University of Missouri, Kansas City ISSN: 10534512 Accession Number: 12217071 Database: Academic Source Complete

A Musical Interlude: Using Music and Relaxation to Improve Reading Performance; Carlson, J., Hoffman, J., Gray, D. and Thompson, A.; Mar 2004, Vol. 39 Issue 4, p246250, 5p, 2 Black and White Photographs, 1 Chart, 1 Graph

Carlson, Hoffman, Gray and Thompson (2004)

Sub-Topic: Improving reading comprehension Music and relaxation on reading performance

Purpose: The study was created to examine the effects of music and relaxation on reading performance of students in an urban third-grade classroom. Authors Hypothesis: The introduction of slow rhythmic music could facilitate a relaxation response in students, resulting in improved reading performance. Method: Each student was pre-and post tested on comprehension, oral reading accuracy, and word recognition. The Reading Inventory for the Classroom (Flynt & Cooter, 1993) was used to measure comprehension and accuracy, and the San Diego Quick Assessment Test ( LaPray & Ross, 1969) was administered to evaluate sight-word recognition. The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test (Wilcoxon,1945) was chosen to compare the pre-and post test scores. Findings: The use of vibroacoustic music chair combined with the 50 to 60 beats per minute of music helped improve students reading performance beyond the expectation of a reading program alone.