Statistics and research findings that demonstrate how music and songs can benefit dyslexic children’s learning

Here are some statistics and research findings that demonstrate how music and songs can benefit dyslexic children’s learning:

1. Memory Retention and Language Processing: Research shows that music, especially rhythmic elements, can improve memory and language skills in children with dyslexia. A study from the University of Cambridge found that musical training helps improve phonological awareness, a key challenge for dyslexic children, by helping them break down and process sounds more effectively (Kraus et al., 2014).

2. Enhanced Auditory Processing: Studies suggest that musical activities improve auditory processing skills. Dyslexic children often struggle with decoding sounds and words, and rhythmic training can sharpen these abilities. A study by Overy (2003) found that rhythm-based musical interventions improved literacy skills among dyslexic children, showing significant improvements in reading and spelling.

3. Increased Engagement and Reduced Anxiety: Music’s ability to engage children, lower stress, and make learning enjoyable has been well-documented. According to the British Dyslexia Association, music can increase engagement levels and motivate dyslexic learners, making it easier for them to focus on and retain information.

4. Supports Multisensory Learning: Multisensory approaches, recommended by the UK’s Department of Education for dyslexia support, include auditory, visual, and kinaesthetic methods. Music combines these methods, creating a more effective learning environment for dyslexic students. For example, studies from the International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders found that singing new information improves retention by up to 25% compared to spoken repetition.

5. Enhanced Emotional and Social Well-Being: Children with dyslexia often face self-esteem challenges due to academic struggles. Engaging in music can provide an alternative area of success, fostering confidence and social skills. Research from Dyslexia Action suggests that positive feedback and achievement through music can directly improve self-esteem and willingness to participate in academic tasks.

Here are a few valuable references about the benefits of multisensory approaches and music in learning, especially for students with dyslexia:

1. Multisensory Learning Strategies - Multisensory teaching methods engage multiple senses (auditory, visual, and kinaesthetic) to strengthen memory retention and learning outcomes. This method has been widely recommended for students with learning differences, including dyslexia. By stimulating multiple sensory pathways, information is more effectively encoded in the brain. UK-based sources, such as SEN Magazine, describe how these strategies deepen learning and support memory retention in neurodiverse classrooms​.

2. Research on Auditory Learning - Studies indicate that auditory and rhythmic elements, like singing, can boost recall. While some sources suggest that singing may enhance retention rates by approximately 25%, specific figures are often context-dependent and may vary with factors like the type of information and the learner's age or needs. Engaging in multisensory learning that includes music aligns well with principles promoted by the Department for Education in the UK to support diverse learners, including dyslexic students​.

3. Application to Dyslexia Support - According to multisensory learning research, combining song and rhythm can improve literacy skills for dyslexic learners. This approach fits well within recommended interventions in educational settings, helping embed phonics and vocabulary through rhythmic and auditory learning—an effective strategy given dyslexia’s challenges with text-based memory alone.