Express Yourself!

Materials: Wide range and variety of children's literature that the teacher has selected (books should be different levels, types, and contain different contents), many types of paper, drawing materials, writing materials such as markers, crayons, etc.
Procedures:
1. Introduce the lesson by explaining to the children that
expression
is important in reading books. "When we talk, we use lots
of
expression. When we read books, we should also use lots of
expression. The way we express words in a sentence can change the
meaning of the sentence." Read the sentence She gave me
the paper. Now, read the sentence with different
expressions
such as excited, mad, bored, sad, etc. "The expression we
use when we read depends on what the sentence is about, or other
sentences that are in the book. When you read, remember to think
about what you are reading. If what you have read does not
make sense, go back and reread the sentence."
2. Call on children and give the sentence He made me do it.
Assign children with an expression such as mad, upset, happy, surprised,
etc. Have each child read the sentence with their assigned
expression.
3. Each child will choose a book he or she can read that is on
their reading level and they will read the book silently. Using
materials
given to them, the children will draw a picture of the emotions
expressed
in what they have read.
4. Children will share pictures describing the emotions from
the book. The children will then practice reading their book to a
friend, focusing on reading with expression. Encourage friends to
show their feelings and emotions.
5. Each child will read their book to the teacher, focusing on
expression. For assessment, the teacher will give each child a
sentence
to read that is on their reading level. While the child is
reading, the teacher will document all expressions made by the child.
Reference: Eldredge, J. Lloyd. Teaching Decoding in Holistic Classrooms. Prentice Hall, Inc. 1995, pg. 19-20.
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