Prosodic parameters of reading in 2nd to 5th grade students

Purpose: Characterize and compare melodic variation and reading speed and verify their evolution throughout the development of schooling. Methods: The reading of 78 Elementary School (2nd to 5th grade) students was analyzed using the Praat program with regards to the parameters of melodic variation (F0) and reading speed (Duration). Statistical measures (mean and standard deviation) were taken and the Student's t-test was applied at significance level of 5%. Results: Melodic variation and reading speed increased as schooling progressed, especially during 5th grade. Conclusion: Melodic variation increases as schooling progresses, mainly during 5th grade. First minute of reading analysis is sufficient to assess reading speed, not being necessary to analyze the full text.