Singing and playing percussion in ELD classes helps English learners build important language skills like reading, writing, vocabulary and grammar through repetition of songs. It also builds students' self-esteem, social skills, and connections to American culture while providing an enjoyable and memorable way for students to learn. The rhythm of singing and percussion aids in language memory and reinforces speaking skills.

1. Why do We Sing and Play Percussion in
ELD?
Kirsti Mittag-Degala, SRVUSD
· Singing is FUN!
· Singing builds language skills.
· Singing builds reading skills.
· Singing and learning new songs builds self esteem
in English Learners (EL’s).
· Singing with movements or percussion helps to set
the rhythm of speech and aids in language memory.
· Singing skills require discipline and concentration
to keep up with the group, so the words tend to
'stick' with the learner better than reading, alone.
· Singing helps foster social skills (breaks down
barriers among participants).
· Singing together is emotional and builds
connections between the singers and American
culture (songs can be reflective, soothing, humorous,
interactive, etc.).
· Singing is emotionally fulfilling (uplifts your spirits)
· Singing and repetition of songs helps to build
memory skills, decoding skills, reading

2. comprehension, and vocabulary, while reinforcing
speaking skills, cultural knowledge, spelling,
grammar, and phoneme recognition.