Want to Teach Reading and Math? Try Singing!*

is a 15-hour course for Minneapolis Public Schools classroom teachers taught by Ann C. Kay and Dr. Elizabeth Olson based on Olson's dissertation (Affirming Parallel Concepts Among   Reading, Mathematics, and Music Through Kodály Instruction, 2003). Teachers sing folk songs and play singing games while affirming parallel concepts with their students. They conduct action research studies about reading and math achievement. As of January 2008, 90 teachers have completed the course.  Some action research studies have revealed dramatic improvement in specific areas of student achievement:

 Letter Sound Acquisition (Over 40 elementary schools tested) 

• Lincoln Elementary. All three kindergarten teachers applied Try Singing! in fall ’06.  Kindergarten students achieved the highest scores in the district in winter ’06 and in winter ’07, and showed the most growth from fall to winter of any school in both years.
• Shingle Creek Elementary. Prior to Try Singing!, ’05-’06 kindergartners scored fifth highest in the district and fourth in fall to winter growth. In fall ’06, one kindergarten teacher began applying the strategies and that winter ’07, Shingle Creek kindergartners posted the second highest scores and second highest growth in the district.
• Pillsbury.  Prior to Try Singing!, ’05-’06, kindergartners were not among the top 20 schools in either scores or growth. In fall ’06, two kindergarten teachers began applying the strategies. In winter ’07, kindergartners scored fourth in letter sound acquisition and fifth in growth from fall to winter ’06-‘07.