Implementing Temporal Sampling Theory Through Rhythmic-Melodic Activities in Preschool: A Motor-Rhythm Based Intervention to Enhance Language Skills

Abstract

Published on 8th January, 2026.The sensory-neural temporal sampling (TS) theory of language acquisition emphasizes the role of individual differences in speech rhythm processing. According to this theory, neural oscillations track loudness or amplitude modulation (AM) patterns—rhythmic fluctuations in speech intensity or energy—across multiple timescales. These nested AM rhythms, which occur universally across languages, support the parsing of stress patterns, syllables, and onset-rime units. Accurate tracking of these rhythms facilitates linguistic comprehension. Although rhythm-based language interventions that align motor and oral rhythms have shown benefits, existing approaches have not systematically targeted the full hierarchy of nested AM rhythms. The present intervention, developed in Spanish, is structured around musical meter, which organizes smaller nested units across multiple timescales. A series of motor activities that should indirectly engage multiple AM timescales are proposed, aimed at enhancing language development. The intervention is highly engaging and is explained in detail, along with predicted music-language enhancements within the framework of TS theory.Research carried out with the Leonardo Grant for Researchers and Cultural Creators 2023 from the BBVA Foundation (awarded to M.L.; LEO23-2-10134). The BBVA Foundation is not responsible for the opinions, comments, and contents included in the project and/or the results derived from it, which are the sole and exclusive responsibility of the authors