Rationale: Reading with Fluency is the ability to recognize words accurately and fast. After this is achieved, it is important for children to express themselves when they read. Children will eventually recognize that reading can be enjoyable if they use expression. Teachers should make reading fun for children! Children will learn this concept by watching me model expressive reading with a peer or student.

Materials:
• "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day" by Judith Viorst (enough copies for all students)
• cards with expressions on them such as mad, sad, loud, hatred, irritated, etc.
• Boom Boom Express Yourself worksheet for each child

1. Is my partner's voice changing when they read? Yes or No
2. Is my partner enjoying the book? Yes or No
3. Did my partner read the book to make me enjoy it?  Yes or No
4. Did my partner have different expressions on his/her face when reading the book?  Yes or No

Procedures:
1. "Today boys and girls we are going to read with expression. Remember that then you don't recognize a word you need to use your paper to cover parts of the word up and sound it out. O.K. Does everyone understand? For example, I would break Alexander up by saying A/lex/and/er. Let's say this word by breaking up the parts. Okay. (Teacher will model it first and then let children try). Great!
2. Now we are going to talk about how we use expression when we read. This means you should use different expressions or tones when reading each page of the book. If a character is upset, read like you are upset and show it in your expression in your face and your tone of your voice. Okay. If he is irritated, express that. This is very important when we read because we want each other to understand the story better and make it more interesting for each other. Your peers will like it much better if you express yourself when you read. Express yourself with a boom!
3. Now, I am going to read a few pages of the book "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day". Please watch how I read and notice the changes in the expressions on my face. I will read with and without expression. Let's see which way you like better. (model both ways).Didn't you enjoy me expressing myself much better? It makes it more interesting doesn't it? Yes.
4. Pass out the book "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day". I want each one of you when I call on you to read a few sentences from the text on various pages. I will hold up the flash cards that contain several different expressions and I want you to tell me what kind of expression the character is making. (Demonstrate an example so they will know and understand).
5. If time permits and they finish reading, have them draw a picture of Alexander that show him being irritated, mad, and sad, etc. whatever they choose.

References: Eldredge, J. Teaching Decoding in the Holistic Classroom Brigham Young University. Prentice Hall. New Jersey (1995) pages 60-61.

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