Unlocking the Power of Music: How a Former Miss Oregon Revolutionized Early Childhood Education

Emily Cadiz, a former special educator and Miss Oregon 1995, has found a unique way to combine her passions for education and music. After sustaining a brain injury, Cadiz discovered that music played a crucial role in her recovery, helping her regain her ability to speak. This revelation inspired her to create an innovative educational tool that harnesses the power of music to teach children language and literacy skills.

Empowering Educators, Transforming Young Minds

Harnessing the Neurological Benefits of Music

Cadiz's journey began when she realized that the same phenomenon that aided her recovery could be applied to the field of education. "If it works for people who are definitely recovering from traumatic brain injuries or from Alzheimer's, dementia, strokes, regardless – if it works for those populations it's going to work in the field of education down here," she says. This insight led her to develop a comprehensive system that utilizes singing and interactive games to engage both the left and right sides of a child's brain, effectively enhancing language acquisition and literacy development.

Bridging the Gap: Sing to Read with Finnegan and Friends

Cadiz's innovative program, initially called "Finnegan the Dragon" and now known as "Sing to Read with Finnegan and Friends," is a powerful tool that seamlessly integrates music and education. By tapping into the brain's natural affinity for music, the program helps children learn language and literacy skills in a fun and engaging way. "Music lives on the right side of the brain, dominantly over there, but it accesses the left. Speech and language and literacy really only live on the left side," Cadiz explains, highlighting the neurological foundation of her approach.

Empowering Educators, Transforming Young Minds

The impact of Cadiz's program is already being felt in the community. Lane County HeadStart, a preschool program, is preparing to incorporate "Sing to Read" into its curriculum, with the support of a financial contribution from Dave Hansen of Umpqua Bank. This integration will provide teachers with a comprehensive system that they can easily implement, allowing them to harness the power of music to enhance their students' language and literacy development.

Revolutionizing Early Childhood Education

Cadiz's journey from a personal experience to a transformative educational tool is a testament to the power of innovation and the ability to see opportunities where others may not. By recognizing the neurological benefits of music and applying them to the field of education, she has created a unique and effective approach that has the potential to revolutionize the way we teach young children. As more schools and programs adopt the "Sing to Read" system, the impact of Cadiz's work will continue to ripple through the education landscape, empowering educators and unlocking the full potential of young minds.