The Voice of Writing

First and Last Name: Marianne Nicole Roudebush

Author’s E-mail Address: nicoleroudebush95@gmail.com

Course Name ED 222 – Technology in the Classroom

College Butler Community College

Current Semester Spring 2018

Professor Name Dr. Shellie Gutierrez – sgutier@butlercc.edu

Lesson Overview

Essential Question What is "voice" and how do you use it?

Content Questions

What does "voice" mean in writing?           How do you write a "voice?"

Lesson Summary

Students will learn what "voice" means in writing, and how to write a basic voice through three examples. Then the students will practice writing in a voice using an online game.

Learning Objectives

Student will know the difference between voice as in "your voice" and voice in terms of writing.

Student will be able to write in a basic "voice" based on an example given

Technology and Other Resources

Materials and Resources 

 Computer(s) 

 Laptops

Printed Materials or Supplies: 2 hats for the papers containing the writing prompt and the voice

Internet Resources Abcya.com story maker

Subject Area and Grade Level

Writing and ELA

Grades 2-3

Procedures

*1 Begin by explaining what you are talking about. "Voice" in the context of writing, which is more about how things are said than how they sound. Use common examples, like accents (a bit advanced for them to do themselves) to help explain the difference.

*2 Explain the three "voices" they will be working with: Excited, Grumpy, and Polite. Provide the three pre-made examples and ask them to tell you what "voice" was being used. There should be one example for all three voices.

*3 Use a section of a book as an example as well. Green Eggs and Ham is a good one, with the grumpy main character and persistant Sam-I-Am.

Take a minute or so to answer questions about voice, to ensure everyone understands the concept.

*4Finally, explain the activity. Using the Story Maker game on abcya.com, give each student a short writing prompt and one of the three voices to write. Tell them to raise their hand when they are done so you can look at their story.  

Special Needs Accommodations

 Special Needs Learner: Rephrase the lesson in a more relatable way

Give direct instruction as the student works, asking what specifically they do not understand and working with them 

Non-Native English Speaker: Use your own voice to convey what you mean. When talking about an excited voice, talk in an excited voice, and so on. Reiterate the name of the voice with the way you are talking so that even non-English speakers connect that tone with that word

Gifted Student: Provide an all new "voice" type, different from the original 3 (with a brief example) and a new writing prompt.

Duration and Skills required

Approximate Time Needed

30-45 minutes

Prerequisite Skills

Basic writing skills