Objective: To describe the benefits of musical activities and instruction in the development of literacy skills among young English language learners (ELL).

Design: Literature review

Subjects and Setting: N/A

Intervention(s): N/A

Outcome Measure: Benefits of musical activities and instruction to literacy development in young ELL students.

Results: Music in the classroom can contribute to a positive, joyful, and creative learning environment. Research has shown that music plays a positive role in early language and literacy development. Musical activities may help ELL students learn to say and produce language without pauses; children’s songs have a repetitive nature and verse form that makes them easy to follow and introduce many words that young children will encounter elsewhere. Music can also encourage creative thought and promote cultural awareness. Teachers can integrate musical activities into ELL classrooms in order to present and practice language skills, develop reading fluency and writing skills, and expose children to multiple musical genres, including songs in children’s native languages.

Conclusion:  The use of music in instruction and everyday activities can promote literacy development in the classrooms of young English language learners. © Center on Media and Child Healthreturn