Rhythm and Movement Program Benefits

SUMMARY

Existing Knowledge:

• Rhythm-based interventions are widely used in music therapy to enhance self-regulation and cognitive development.

• Music training supports executive functions such as working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility.

• Early childhood interventions are critical for addressing cognitive and socio-emotional developmental disparities, especially in low-income communities.

New Insights from this Study:

• The Rhythm and Movement for Self-Regulation (RAMSR) program improved self-regulation, school readiness, and inhibition in preschoolers from low socioeconomic backgrounds.

• Intervention effects were sustained six months post-program, with delayed gains in school readiness and executive function.

• Generalist preschool teachers, with no prior music training, effectively implemented RAMSR, demonstrating the program's scalability.

Putting Research into Practice:

1. Classroom Integration:

• Incorporate structured rhythm and movement sessions into daily preschool schedules.

• Use rhythmic cueing to strengthen attention, inhibition, and self-regulation.

• Design activities that progressively increase in complexity to sustain cognitive engagement.

2. Teacher Training and Support:

• Offer professional development workshops for educators to deliver rhythm-based interventions.

• Provide audio resources and coaching to ensure fidelity in program delivery.

• Develop simple, low-resource tools for teachers to evaluate progress in self-regulation and executive functions.

3. Community and Policy Implications:

• Advocate for universal implementation of rhythm-based programs in disadvantaged communities.

• Collaborate with policymakers to integrate such interventions into early childhood education curricula.

• Conduct follow-up studies to explore long-term impacts on academic and social outcomes.

Reference:

Bentley, L. A., Eager, R., Savage, S., Nielson, C., White, S. L. J., & Williams, K. E. (2023). A translational application of music for preschool cognitive development: RCT evidence for improved executive function, self-regulation, and school readiness. Developmental Science, 26(5), e13358. https://doi.org/10.1111/desc.13358 

Cite/Refer this summary: Ross, E. M. and Malar, D. B. J. (2025). Rhythm and Movement Program Benefits. Excellent Educator, 2(3), 3.