The document discusses using karaoke to help students improve their reading skills. It notes that some students struggle with reading and have short attention spans. Witnessing a student singing lyrics without being able to read the text showed that arts can reinforce reading. The document proposes using karaoke in the classroom to make learning more enjoyable and stimulate both sides of the brain. It argues karaoke is a motivating, non-reading activity that can improve fluency as students read lyrics on screen. Karaoke also makes oral reading less threatening as students sing aloud instead of read. The document encourages using karaoke in an upcoming reading camp and regular classes to make reading instruction more fun.

1. By: Nyms M. Docdocil
San Roque Elementary School
Department of Education
Malaybalay City Division (Philippines)
Many people have problems in terms of reading. In school, reading seems to be
difficult to some pupils, and it gives them further problems in their academic quest.
Reading is a tool in all other learning areas in the school. Reading is a mental process in
which we look at symbols on a reading material and our brain sees the patterns of
characters and understands the meaning in them. Failure to develop skills requisite to
effective and efficient reading may hamper learning. Pupils in the early stage are trained to
familiarize letter symbols, names and sounds; however some kids have very short attention
span. Thus, the teacher should think for a very good strategy in introducing reading. If
pupils encounter problems the way we teach reading, why not teach reading the way they
learn.
I had an accidental visit in one of the schools in Malaybalay City Division. While
waiting for my school head, I sat on the bench and watched children practicing their field
demonstration. I observed a kindergarten pupil if I am not mistaken, singing the lines of
the music that she heard. Amazingly the girl could enunciate the words but pretty for sure,
she couldn’t read it in text. There is a progressing piece of evidence that arts can
suggestively reinforce pupils’ reading skills (Gardiner, M. et.al.1996). The conveyance of
music and text provides a stimulating experience for the child in learning reading skills. In
this article, I would share to you the use of karaoke in learning reading. Karaoke singing
may offer remedies for pupils who experience difficulties with reading. The use of music in
the classroom may turn entire learning process more enjoyable and can stimulate "right"
brain learning as mentioned by (Gipe, 2002), who studied reading power through singing.
Since our department is about to lunch our Summer Reading Camp 2015, you might utilize
the idea of having a karaoke as one of the activities in the camp.
Pupils do not recognize Karaoke as an activity for learning reading, yet for many it
is an enjoyable past time activity. Children who hate reading and have a negative
perception towards reading find this a cool non-reading like strategy more motivating. The
Karaoke strategy could be specifically useful in enhancing the fluency in reading. As
children engross themselves in music and interact with text on the TV screen, a new aspect
of their reading behavior starts to emerge. During karaoke process, children are engaged
in different aspects of reading that promote fluency. Moreover, children who do not like
oral reading in front of their classmates find the use of Karaoke less threatening as they

2. sing aloud in the class. Mispronounced words should be corrected by the teacher right after
the Karaoke activity in a friendly manner. Unconsciously, Karaoke singing do not just
develop skills in reading; it would also boost pupils’ self-esteem and provide teachers
information on whom of his pupils that are musically inclined.
You can apply Karaoke reading instruction in the conduct of your reading camp in
order to cater less threatening atmosphere on the part of the learner. You may also use it in
your regular class provided that you have all the equipment in the classroom. Make the
teaching of reading fun and meaningful.