Musical-Rhythmic learners (MRL) are natural born musicians. They tend to think in sounds and rhythmic patterns instead of words or pictures. Good or bad, their response to any music they hear is immediate, and they tend to be more in tune with nature sounds, and the sounds of their environment than their counterparts. (Gilam) These are the people who say things like “that sounds about right” and “that’s music to my ears.” Musical-rhythmic learners do well in a homeschool setting when allowed to learn at their pace in their style, versus in a school setting where music is usually not a teaching method used.
How do I teach my MRL?
Teaching a musical-rhythmic learner is relatively easy. The use of music and other sounds related to the subject is key. Even in the background it will help them comprehend what they are learning more easily. If you have a student learning their times tables try something like Schoolhouse Rock Multiplication Rock. These catch tunes will have your student singing (and multiplying) in no time!
They are natural singers, whistlers, composers, musicians and disc jockeys. They remember what they learn by putting it to music, at least in their heads. They relate information, and events to certain songs that are appropriate for the situation. Lectures in rhythmic tones are also a great way for MRL children to learn. Help your child think of jingles or verses to remember information they have recently learned. It is important to note that while they excel with auditory learning, they are also easily distracted by outside noises. Hearing the tapping of keys on a keyboard, pens clicking, drumming of pencils on a table can break your students concentration, so allow for music in the background to help ease these other sounds.
As with any learning style adaptation may be necessary for lessons. History is not normally taught in a musical setting, but having your child write songs, short melodies, or poems about the material, teach the songs that were sung during the time period being studied, use videos with classical music in the background.
Recently science has become a great music resource. Even non-musical learners enjoy songs from albums like “Here Comes Science” by They Might Be Giants (who also have an alphabet album available). Along with experimentation catchy science tunes will have your student rocking out to science in no time.
Mathematics can be a tricky subject for many students to master, but with the help of music, which is largely mathematical itself, it can become an easy task to master. For elementary aged children songs from the Schoolhouse Rocks library of fun, as well as other programs available for learning. You and your child can also create your own songs for remembering the concepts-a musical mind is pretty creative after all. Sing the multiplication facts, and divide with music. Advanced mathematical concepts may be more difficult to sing about, but with a little work, and a lot of fun your child will be on her way to understanding.
What will my child be?
As a musical learner your child may be more apt to become a musician, disc jockey, composer, music teacher, or singers than to attorneys or research scientists, but they can become whatever they choose. As long as a child has supportive parents, they can excel in all of their dreams, whether it is a singer/songwriter or a physicist.
Further Reading:
The Mind behind the Musical Ear: How Children Develop Musical Intelligence
Kindling the Spark: Recognizing and Developing Musical Talent
Higher-Order Thinking the Multiple Intelligences Way
Frames Of Mind: The Theory Of Multiple Intelligences
7 (Seven) Kinds of Smart: Identifying and Developing Your Multiple Intelligences
References:
Gilam, Lynn (2001). The Theory of Multiple Intelligences.
LDPride.net.
Learning Styles Online. (2010).
Home Educators Resource Directory (HERD) is owned, managed, and maintained by parents passionate about giving their children the best education. The Directory’s mission is to provide resources, support, and information helpful to the diverse community of educators around the globe. Along with offering a rich store of varied resources, the Directory maintains a catalog of local and global support groups and calendars highlighting local events.
The HERD monthly newsletter keeps educators apprised of current homeschool events and supplies informational articles for both the new and experienced. We invite you to stay informed with your own newsletter subscription, explore our many resources by visiting the Directory http://www.homeeddirectory.com/ and check out all the information to be found on our blog.
Permission to reproduce this article granted only with the entire article, bio and all links included.
How do I teach my MRL?
Teaching a musical-rhythmic learner is relatively easy. The use of music and other sounds related to the subject is key. Even in the background it will help them comprehend what they are learning more easily. If you have a student learning their times tables try something like Schoolhouse Rock Multiplication Rock. These catch tunes will have your student singing (and multiplying) in no time!
They are natural singers, whistlers, composers, musicians and disc jockeys. They remember what they learn by putting it to music, at least in their heads. They relate information, and events to certain songs that are appropriate for the situation. Lectures in rhythmic tones are also a great way for MRL children to learn. Help your child think of jingles or verses to remember information they have recently learned. It is important to note that while they excel with auditory learning, they are also easily distracted by outside noises. Hearing the tapping of keys on a keyboard, pens clicking, drumming of pencils on a table can break your students concentration, so allow for music in the background to help ease these other sounds.
As with any learning style adaptation may be necessary for lessons. History is not normally taught in a musical setting, but having your child write songs, short melodies, or poems about the material, teach the songs that were sung during the time period being studied, use videos with classical music in the background.
Recently science has become a great music resource. Even non-musical learners enjoy songs from albums like “Here Comes Science” by They Might Be Giants (who also have an alphabet album available). Along with experimentation catchy science tunes will have your student rocking out to science in no time.
Mathematics can be a tricky subject for many students to master, but with the help of music, which is largely mathematical itself, it can become an easy task to master. For elementary aged children songs from the Schoolhouse Rocks library of fun, as well as other programs available for learning. You and your child can also create your own songs for remembering the concepts-a musical mind is pretty creative after all. Sing the multiplication facts, and divide with music. Advanced mathematical concepts may be more difficult to sing about, but with a little work, and a lot of fun your child will be on her way to understanding.
What will my child be?
As a musical learner your child may be more apt to become a musician, disc jockey, composer, music teacher, or singers than to attorneys or research scientists, but they can become whatever they choose. As long as a child has supportive parents, they can excel in all of their dreams, whether it is a singer/songwriter or a physicist.
Further Reading:
The Mind behind the Musical Ear: How Children Develop Musical Intelligence
Kindling the Spark: Recognizing and Developing Musical Talent
Higher-Order Thinking the Multiple Intelligences Way
Frames Of Mind: The Theory Of Multiple Intelligences
7 (Seven) Kinds of Smart: Identifying and Developing Your Multiple Intelligences
References:
Gilam, Lynn (2001). The Theory of Multiple Intelligences.
LDPride.net.
Learning Styles Online. (2010).
Home Educators Resource Directory (HERD) is owned, managed, and maintained by parents passionate about giving their children the best education. The Directory’s mission is to provide resources, support, and information helpful to the diverse community of educators around the globe. Along with offering a rich store of varied resources, the Directory maintains a catalog of local and global support groups and calendars highlighting local events.
The HERD monthly newsletter keeps educators apprised of current homeschool events and supplies informational articles for both the new and experienced. We invite you to stay informed with your own newsletter subscription, explore our many resources by visiting the Directory http://www.homeeddirectory.com/ and check out all the information to be found on our blog.
Permission to reproduce this article granted only with the entire article, bio and all links included.
