Rhythm & Reading

Children in the Therapeutic Nursery at The Guidance Center of Westchester can look forward to African drumming sessions thanks to an artist-in-residence grant from Arts Westchester. The grant enables acclaimed African percussionist Kazi Oliver to visit the students for 10 sessions.

But the visits are more than just fun. According to Mr. Oliver, drumming is a fun way to strengthen concentration, heighten clarity, and sharpen listening, memory and social skills.

Donna Morrison, Deputy Director for TGCW’s Early Childhood programs, agrees. “As the child hears the beat of the drum, it stimulates the same part of the brain for language and reading.”

You can watch this CBS News story to learn more about the connection between rhythm and language skills.

The grant was presented at a recent meeting of the Westchester County Board of Legislators.

Pictured: Legislator Sheila Marcott; Vice Chairman James Maisano; TGCW Board Member Kathy Hagendorf (New Rochelle); TGCW Executive Director Amy Gelles; Board Chairman Michael Kaplowitz. Photo courtesy Westchester County Board of Legislators.