Use beat-based assessment to support early reading development.
The BeatRead Insights Program is a practical, classroom-ready guide that helps teachers assess beat-keeping and rhythm skills in young learners aged 4 to 8. These rhythm-based behaviours are closely linked to early reading development and can reveal which students may benefit from early support—even before formal literacy instruction begins.
Developed by Dr Anita Collins, expert in neuromusical research, this program empowers classroom and music educators to identify early indicators of reading difficulty using simple, low-pressure beat and rhythm activities.
What’s Inside
Step-by-Step Method Guide
Learn how to run each BeatRead session from start to finish, including setup, teacher prompts, and student instructions.
Three Core Assessments
Assess students’ steady beat synchronisation, rhythm reproduction, and rhythm change detection.
Five Observable Rhythm Behaviours
Understand the specific beat-keeping patterns that may indicate reading challenges.
Printable Student Recording Sheet
Quickly log student responses with an easy-to-use observation matrix.
No Equipment Needed
Just a metronome, your hands, and 5–8 minutes per group.
Real-World Applications
Hear how schools have used BeatRead Insights data to inform class placement, reading intervention, and music program design.
Personalised Professional Support
2 × 45 minute online sessions with Dr Anita Collins, in preparation to administer the BeatRead Insights Program and to debrief and unpack the results
Professional Learning at Your Fingertips
Access for all teachers in your team to the BBB BeatKeeping and Reading online course (RRP $170 per person)
Who It’s For
Classroom teachers
Music educators
Early years and literacy support staff
School leaders looking for new, research-informed assessment tools
Why It Works
Research continues to show the strong connection between rhythm and reading readiness. The BeatRead Insights Program gives educators a practical, accessible way to observe how rhythm behaviours reflect students’ developing literacy pathways, making it easier to act early and effectively.
Looking for something different?
If you feel ready to undertake the BeatRead Insights Program yourself, you might be ready for the BeatRead Essentials Program.
Looking for more evidence-based resources like this?
Become a BBB+ member and get full access to the BeatRead Insights Program, plus over 500 downloadable resources to support your music teaching and advocacy work. For less than the cost of two standalone products, you’ll unlock a full year of access to toolkits, posters, courses, and more.
Click here to learn more about BBB+ membership.
Use beat-based assessment to support early reading development.
The BeatRead Insights Program is a practical, classroom-ready guide that helps teachers assess beat-keeping and rhythm skills in young learners aged 4 to 8. These rhythm-based behaviours are closely linked to early reading development and can reveal which students may benefit from early support—even before formal literacy instruction begins.
Developed by Dr Anita Collins, expert in neuromusical research, this program empowers classroom and music educators to identify early indicators of reading difficulty using simple, low-pressure beat and rhythm activities.
What’s Inside
Step-by-Step Method Guide
Learn how to run each BeatRead session from start to finish, including setup, teacher prompts, and student instructions.
Three Core Assessments
Assess students’ steady beat synchronisation, rhythm reproduction, and rhythm change detection.
Five Observable Rhythm Behaviours
Understand the specific beat-keeping patterns that may indicate reading challenges.
Printable Student Recording Sheet
Quickly log student responses with an easy-to-use observation matrix.
No Equipment Needed
Just a metronome, your hands, and 5–8 minutes per group.
Real-World Applications
Hear how schools have used BeatRead Insights data to inform class placement, reading intervention, and music program design.
Personalised Professional Support
2 × 45 minute online sessions with Dr Anita Collins, in preparation to administer the BeatRead Insights Program and to debrief and unpack the results
Professional Learning at Your Fingertips
Access for all teachers in your team to the BBB BeatKeeping and Reading online course (RRP $170 per person)
Who It’s For
Classroom teachers
Music educators
Early years and literacy support staff
School leaders looking for new, research-informed assessment tools
Why It Works
Research continues to show the strong connection between rhythm and reading readiness. The BeatRead Insights Program gives educators a practical, accessible way to observe how rhythm behaviours reflect students’ developing literacy pathways, making it easier to act early and effectively.
Looking for something different?
If you feel ready to undertake the BeatRead Insights Program yourself, you might be ready for the BeatRead Essentials Program.
Looking for more evidence-based resources like this?
Become a BBB+ member and get full access to the BeatRead Insights Program, plus over 500 downloadable resources to support your music teaching and advocacy work. For less than the cost of two standalone products, you’ll unlock a full year of access to toolkits, posters, courses, and more.
Click here to learn more about BBB+ membership.
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