Using Music with Read-Alouds

The primary purpose of this project is to explore and expand the connection between music and picture book read-alouds. The literature review looks at the established educational value of the read-aloud as well as the use of music and how it has been used to help teach reading. Also, literature looking at student music preferences and the use of music as a tool for increasing intelligence is reviewed. Additionally, critical thinking skills and the subject specific area of music listening is examined. The process of the picture book selection and recorded music selection is explained and the project suggests music to be played as accompaniment with selected picture books. The end product is a brochure which lists musical suggestions for accompanying a list of 24 recommended picture books. A student study was conducted and introduced fifth and sixth grade subjects to music concepts through guided listening and several educational approaches. These subjects selected music accompaniment choices for three given read-alouds. Results of the student study gave insight into existing subject musical knowledge, the ability to reason and select music for a book match, the effectiveness of educational techniques and tools used in the study, and compared subject and researcher music choices