The Science is Singing: Why Educational Songs are a Game Changer for Dyslexic Learners
You know that feeling when a catchy tune just sticks?
That's the powerful learning mechanism at the heart of Loujo. For children with Dyslexia, a common Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD) defined by challenges with reading accuracy and writing [Yuzaidey et al., 2016] finding a method that works with their brain, not against it, is crucial. The lack of effective support comes at a real cost, estimated at an average of £5,381 per individual across their school career in the UK [APPG for Dyslexia, 2019].
We’re here to show you that the solution isn't another tedious drill; it's the rhythm and melody found in educational songs. The research is compelling, and it all comes down to neuroscience.
1. Rewiring the Brain: Music's Neuro-Superpower
The core challenge in dyslexia often lies in processing the sound structure of language (phonological awareness) and holding information temporarily (working memory). This is where music steps in as a powerful, scientifically proven intervention.
The Overlap Effect:
Did you know that the neural pathways we use for processing music and those we use for reading and language overlap significantly? Research confirms that musical training can drive structural and functional changes in the brain [Habib et al., 2016].
By engaging in music, children are essentially strengthening the very cognitive pathways necessary for literacy, enhancing skills like attention, memory, and executive function [Habib et al., 2016]. It's a cross-training programme for the mind!
Rhythm and Working Memory:
Dyslexic learners often have difficulty with the precise timing of sounds. Rhythm, however, provides a highly structured, predictable framework that their brains can easily latch onto.
Improved Skills: Interventional studies have confirmed that focused rhythm and motor training has a positive effect on the development of reading skills in children facing these difficulties [Ahokas et al., 2024].
The Working Memory Boost: Crucially, one study found that a dedicated rhythm focused music intervention resulted in a moderate improvement in working memory performance [Ahokas et al., 2024]. Improving working memory directly impacts a child’s ability to decode words and process complex sentences.
2. Proof in Practice: Retention and Confidence
The benefits of educational songs aren't just theoretical; they translate directly into better results and happier learners.
Supercharged Memorisation
The melody and beat in a song act as a unique, powerful memory cue [Crowther, 2012]. When a child struggles to recall a fact or spelling, the music provides an anchor that traditional memorisation methods lack.
Higher Retention: Studies have shown that students who learn vocabulary through songs demonstrate higher retention rates compared to those using conventional teaching methods [Bsharat et al., 2021]. This means less reteaching and more long-term success.
Fluency Gains: The predictable, repetitive nature of songs also helps build reading fluency by making the process of sounding out words more automatic [Wadiyo et al., 2024].
Reducing Learning Anxiety
We know that struggling to read can cause immense stress and anxiety in a classroom setting. Music offers a simple antidote:
Music based instruction can help reduce the stress and anxiety often associated with learning difficulties [Bouloukou et al., 2021]. It transforms a high pressure situation into an enjoyable activity, which improves engagement and makes the brain more receptive to learning.
The Loujo Conclusion: Making Science Simple
At Loujo, our AI-driven platform takes all this evidence based research and makes it instantly accessible. We turn any learning objective from phonics and spelling to complex maths topics into a short, powerful, curriculum aligned song.
We're giving children with dyslexia a highly effective learning tool that works with their strengths (musicality, rhythm, creativity) to address their challenges.
References
Ahokas, J. R., Saarikallio, S., Welch, G., Parviainen, T., & Louhivuori, J. (2024). Rhythm and Reading: Connecting the Training of Musical Rhythm to the Development of Literacy Skills. Early Childhood Education Journal.
APPG for Dyslexia and other SpLDs. (2019). Educational cost of dyslexia: Financial, standards and attainment cost to education of unidentified and poorly supported dyslexia. Report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Dyslexia and other SpLDs, October 2019.
Bouloukou, F., Marin-Díaz, V., & Jiménez-Fanjul, N. (2021). Effects of an Interventional Music Program on Learning Skills of Primary-School Students with Dyslexia. International Journal of Education and Practice.
Bsharat, T. R. K., Barahmeh, M. Y., & Turkman, J. M. H. (2021). The influence of music and educational songs on EFL students' achievement from their teachers' perspective in Jenin Region. African Educational Research Journal.
Crowther, G. (2012). Using Science Songs to Enhance Learning: An Interdisciplinary Approach. CBE-Life Sciences Education.
Habib, M., Lardy, C., Desiles, T., Commeiras, C., Chobert, J., & Besson, M. (2016). Music and Dyslexia: A New Musical Training Method to Improve Reading and Related Disorders. Frontiers in Psychology.
Wadiyo, S., Haryono, S., Wiyoso, J., & Malarsih, M. (2024). Bridging musical gaps: creating educational songs with thematic learning for primary school students. RAST MUSICOLOGY JOURNAL.
Yuzaidey, N. A. M., Din, N. C., Ahmad, M., Ibrahim, N., Razak, R. A., & Harun, D. (2016). Interventions for children with dyslexia: A review on current intervention methods. Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences.
