Elementary students learn literacy through song Published April 21, 2011 By Staff Sgt. Mike Tryon 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- An education consultant used music to teach Freedom Elementary School students the six traits of writing April 15. Randy Beard, a former Indiana school teacher and founder of "Learning Through Lyrical Literacy," uses music incorporated with students' writings as a resource to spark interest in reading and writing. Turning literature into song to aid children in remembering different lessons works the same way adults use memory devices to study for tests, Mr. Beard said. The children were excited not only to learn about the six traits of writing -- ideas, organization, voice, sentence fluency, word choice and convictions -- but were also eager to write and then hear their writings in musical form, said Cindy Farwell, Freedom Elementary School principal. "This program was so personal and emotional for the children and faculty, I doubt they'll ever forget it," Ms. Farwell added. Two of the songs Mr. Beard shared with the children at Freedom were "Onomatopoeia," which is a song explaining words that immitate the sound they represent -- such as "buzz" or "moo" -- and "You're Never Alone," which is a tribute to the military child. The inspiration for this song came to Mr. Beard while teaching a class. He asked children how they dealt with their parents having to leave. A military child said, "My parents told me I am never alone." Mr. Beard explained those words not only inspired his song, but his drive to teach military children. "Reaching out to the military child is a habit of the heart for me," Mr. Beard said. "The sacrifices military families make when one or both parents deploy are immense and it's my honor to be able to help however I can." Freedom Elementary is located on F. E. Warren property, but is not a Department of Defense School, Mrs. Farwell said. However, the majority of students are military children. "Kudos to Mr. Beard for coming out here for free to bless the military children with his gift," Ms. Farwell said. "It truly was an amazing experience and we would love to work with him again." Spending time with and performing for military children is how Mr. Beard said he dedicates most of his time. His goals are to build enthusiasm for reading and writing at all ages, encouraging life-long learning and creating reachable, teachable moments. "I would love to come back to Cheyenne anytime and share more of my gift," Mr. Beard said. "I just can't say it enough, reaching out to the military child comes from the heart."