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Sounds and Symbols™

Literacy through Music

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    ‘Sound before symbol’ is a phrase which was coined by Carl Orff, a 20th century composer and teacher, to illustrate that sound always precedes the introduction of its iconic representation ie it is important to learn a sound before learning the symbol that is used to represent it. Children learn to understand and speak a language before they learn to write it. Spoken language is an inherent skill, reading and writing is not; literacy skills must be taught. The book ‘Sound Before Symbol’ endeavours to identify and draw together the parallels between music and literacy for early years’ children and suggests how implementing a uniquely arranged programme such as ‘Sounds and Symbols’ can build the skills required for literacy development. Sound Before Symbol – • examines how music may be presented to pre-school children and considers benefits including ‘The Mozart Effect’; • examines strategies employed to teach literacy and considers how children learn to read and write; • examines recent research into how the brain may process music and literacy; • examines why the ‘Early Years (0-8) are so vital; • suggests a ‘Model’ for bridging the gap between ‘Sound and Symbol’; • offers suggestions for the literacy-enrichment of musical…

  • Literacy Resource Pack

    Everything you need to run your own Successful, Lucrative, Fun & Flexible Business !!! Present the revolutionary ‘literacy through music’ programme ‘Sounds and Symbols’ – full of engaging, multi-sensory, educational activities. Help to inspire children and ensure the literacy capacity of the next generation. Enjoy a lucrative business which can fit in with school term times. Present an evolutionary programme with flexible working arrangements. The programme may be taken to nurseries, toddler groups, family centres children’s parties or held in your own local venue or even your home! It can be run in term times or as a holiday activity. A training manual is provided along with an exciting array of instruments, props, promotional materials and your own ipod containing professionally recorded music with special arrangements. No royalties to pay No travelling to attend courses Low cost set up Your presenter pack includes…   The first and only revolutionary pre-school music and literacy programme Sounds and Symbols ™ developed by a music and literacy specialist following years of research and trials. One copy of the book ‘Sound Before Symbol’ upon which the programme Sounds and Symbols ™ is based. All Sounds and Symbols ™ instruments – designed for young children.…
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    To find your nearest group please visit our ‘Groups’ page. If you are interested in joining the Sounds and Symbols programme, please register your interest on the business opportunities page. For all other queries please complete the following form:- [contact-form 1 “Contact form 1″]
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Programme

Welcome to the Sounds and Symbols Programme! 

Music

Music with Vocals

The Letter ‘A’ – vocals
Dreaming and vocals

Music with Lyrics

Round and Round and Round we go – Song
Round and Round and Round we go – Lyrics

The Letter ‘A’ – Song
The Letter ‘A’ – Lyrics

Video

See the TV news interview with Maria Kay the author of ‘Sound Before Symbol’ book.

Look East 1998
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Take your child along to a local group

Give your child a head start with ‘Sounds and Symbols – research shows that phonological awareness can be promoted through music (see links)

To find your nearest group click here.

Recent News

  • Early music training can boost the brain
  • Moray Childminders request information on Sounds and Symbols
  • Sound Before Symbol is now available to purchase

Links

  • Literacy through Music books
  • Listen to Kids Public Radio
  • Support the Tallahassee Haiti Medical Team
  • There is a lot of evidence that music can help literacy development
  • Harvard Business Review reports on music and literacy links
  • ‘Government backs controversial phonics test’
  • Songs, resources and information from Nancy Stewart
Sounds and Symbols™
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