Rock N Read into Fluency: Ann Kay talks about her new program-
An interview conducted by Dr. Sam Bommarito
It’s been almost 6 years since I first talked to Ann about her Rock N Read project. Ann’s interview about that program was my very first video podcast. It was very well received. She told me about her very successful Rock N Read program as it existed at that time (2020). Here is a link to that first interview LINK.
Fast forward to today. Let’s listen to her newest video interview. In it, she talks about how her project has changed. Beginning about 4 years ago, she shifted the project’s focus to early childhood. It has a strong parental component. As part of that transition, she carefully reviewed early childhood research and used it to guide her revisions to her program. What has emerged is an effective, engaging program. Ann was the first person to call my attention to the tremendous impact music can have on the brain. Her work dovetails nicely with Rasinski’s research about repeated reading. Using song as a vehicle, she gives students a reason to read and reread selected passages. Her initial interview changed the way I do my blog. Video podcast interviews have become a standard fare on my blog. This latest interview made me realize that there is growing evidence that students benefit substantially from music in general and singing in particular. Accordingly, I’ll be creating a category in my blog display where readers can explore all the blogs related to this topic, and there are quite a few of them.
The really important point is this. Ann has found a way to help parents help their kids. Let’s now turn to her biography and video interview to learn more about what she has done.
Biography (taken from her website)
Here is Ann’s Interview
Rock ‘n’ Read Project website: LINK
HIGHLIGHTS FROM HER WEBSITE
A Song A Day: Brain Prep for Pre-Readers – PreK/K curriculum
Brain Research LINK
Research Bibliography: Effects of Music-Making on Brain Development and Achievement (pdf) LINK
Brain Train Activities (free downloadable materials) LINK
Musical Fitness Assessment (free) LINK
Conclusion
During the interview, I was particularly impressed by the depth of information Ann shared about the brain research underpinning her practices. Be sure to examine the links about these on her webpage. I included a few highlights of those in the section just before this one. I was equally impressed with the activities that she shared. Teachers get an extensive, ready-to-use package of free brain activities and a Musical Fitness Assessment, both based on the research she shared. I think you can see how this fits into Rasinski’s repeated reading format. I hope you find the research and the activity useful in your class. If you do, please share that information on how it worked for you by making comments on this blog. Sooooo- until next week:
Happy Reading and Writing.
From Dr. Sam, the guy taking flak from all sides
Copyright 2026 by Dr. Sam Bommarito. Items from Rock N Read are copyrighted by Ann K and used with permission. Views/interpretations expressed here are solely this author’s and do not necessarily reflect the views of any other person or organization.