Recent research has shown that integrating music into early childhood education can significantly benefit a child’s literacy development. One aspect of literacy is vocabulary acquisition. And here again, in the case of second language vocabulary acquisition, music education has been shown to provide a benefit.
Music introduces children to the building blocks of language in a fun and memorable way. Nursery rhymes, for example, are rhythmic and repetitive, making them perfect for young learners. By singing along to familiar tunes and reciting rhymes, children naturally develop phonemic awareness: the ability to recognize and manipulate the sounds of language. This skill is crucial for later reading success.
Music enhances vocabulary acquisition. Through songs and chants, children encounter new words in context, expanding their linguistic repertoire. And they do this while simultaneously learning about concepts like rhythm, tempo, and melody. Music and language, in one!
The Muzkanda Kids course is offered in two languages-of-instruction, English and Afrikaans. However, no matter the language of instruction, the songs in the course are taught in three languages: English, Afrikaans, and isiXhosa. The songs allow learners to expand vocabulary within the framework of a story they are familiar with – improving vocabulary comprehension.
There is also a lot to be said for the fact that music fosters a love for storytelling. As children engage with these musical narratives, they develop their narrative skills, learning how to sequence events, identify characters, and infer meaning—a vital aspect of reading comprehension.
Music education shouldn’t just be about learning to sing, or play an instrument, or pass some sort of examination. It’s a powerful tool for shaping young minds and nurturing essential literacy skills.
