Rhythm helps children master math problems

 An innovative use of rhythm in a music-based programme enabled school kids score significantly higher on math tests than peers who received regular instruction.

“Academic Music” is a hands-on curriculum that uses music notation, clapping, drumming and chanting to introduce third-grade students to fractions. Co-designed by San Francisco State University researchers, it addresses one of the most difficult and important topics in the elementary math curriculum.

A fraction represents a part of a whole or, more generally, any number of equal parts. A fraction describes how many parts of a certain size there are, for example, one-half, five-eighths, three-quarters. “If students don’t understand fractions early on, they often struggle with algebra and mathematical reasoning later in their schooling,” said Susan Courey, assistant professor of special education at San Francisco, the journal Educational Studies in Mathematics reported.

“We have designed a method that uses gestures and symbols to help children understand parts of a whole and learn the academic language of math,” added Courey, according to a university statement.

“Lower-performing students might find it hard to grasp the idea of fractions from a diagram or textbook, but when you add music and multiple ways of learning, fractions become second nature to them,” added Courey.