Multisensory Learning
Flocabulary's unique approach combines songs, reading passages and exercises to create a multisensory learning environment. The use of music and rhyming text as a supplement to reading has been shown to increase acquisition and retention of academic content (Wolfe and Horn, 1993; Wallace, 1994). Audio is especially effective for ESL and Special Ed populations where the added benefit of pronunciation can be an essential learning tool.
Student Engagement and Cultural Relevancy
According to adolescent psychologists, students aren't learning to their full potential unless they're emotionally engaged with the content. With that in mind, Flocabulary creates high-interest hip-hop songs that appeal to students interests and provide an opportunity to create a positive emotional connection in the classroom. Because of the popularity of hip-hop music among all types of students, students of all backgrounds find our programs motivating and engaging. The inclusion of hip-hop music as a learning tool in the classroom is one way to help students recognize that they already possess many capabilities that can be used to develop positive identities (Berry, 1994; Sullivan, 2003). These identities and connections in the classroom help students develop into high achievers.
Applied Learning and Higher-Order Thinking through Writing Rhymes
All Flocabulary programs culminate with a high-interest rhyme-writing exercise, as described in the Writing Academic Rhymes Teacher Resource Book. In this applied learning exercise, students analyze content they have learned and synthesize that information into Flocabulary-style raps. The lesson gets students writing, which brings them to the deepest processing stage of comprehension, and also encourages higher-order thinking by making the student a content-creator rather than solely a consumer (Mason, 2003).
Multiple Exposures
A growing body of research suggests that in order for a student to learn something (whether its a vocabulary word, a concept or a formula), she must encounter between eight and ten varied exposures to that piece of information (Marzano, 2003; Nagy, 1998). Experts recommend that a students first exposure to any word or concept should be a rich, engaging one (NRP, 2000). Flocabulary programs were designed with these insights in mind. Every unit begins with a high-interest song that introduces vocabulary or key concepts, and goes on to provide students with up to ten unique exposures to the content.
To learn more about our effective methods of increasing literacy, read the full research base of The Word Up Project.
"Flocabulary is AWESOME! My seventh grade students are completely engaged in the program Also, I have been sharing the amazing results my students have experienced to date using your program. Thank you very much for inspiring my students, parents, and this music-loving educator."
- Daniel Alston, Teacher