Title: Exploring Voice in Writing

Objective: Students will understand the concept of voice in writing and be able to identify and use different voices in their own writing.

Materials: - Chart paper or whiteboard - Markers or whiteboard markers - Handout with examples of different voices in writing (optional) - Writing materials for students

Introduction (10 minutes): 1. Begin the lesson by asking students if they have ever noticed that different authors have different writing styles. Discuss some examples of authors they may be familiar with and how their writing may sound unique. 2. Explain that one aspect of writing style is called “voice.” Voice refers to the way a writer’s personality and emotions come through in their writing. It is what makes their writing sound like them. 3. Write the definition of voice on the chart paper or whiteboard: “Voice is the unique way a writer’s personality and emotions come through in their writing.”

Discussion and Examples (15 minutes): 1. Provide examples of different voices in writing. You can either read aloud examples from a handout or display them on the board. Examples can include: - A funny and lighthearted voice: “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the giant, purple elephant strolling down the street. I mean, who knew elephants could be so fashion-forward?” - A serious and informative voice: “The scientific study conducted by Dr. Johnson revealed groundbreaking findings about the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems.” - A poetic and descriptive voice: “The moonlight danced on the surface of the lake, casting a shimmering silver glow that whispered secrets to the night.” 2. Discuss with students how each example has a different tone and personality. Ask them to identify specific words or phrases that contribute to the voice in each example.

Guided Practice (15 minutes): 1. Provide students with a short writing prompt, such as “Describe your favorite place to visit.” Ask them to write a paragraph using a specific voice, such as funny, serious, or poetic. 2. After students have finished writing, ask for volunteers to share their paragraphs. Discuss how the different voices create different effects and emotions in the writing.

Independent Practice (15 minutes): 1. Distribute a new writing prompt to each student, such as “Write a letter to your favorite author, telling them why you love their books.” Instruct students to choose a voice for their letter and write a paragraph or two. 2. Allow students time to complete their writing. Encourage them to experiment with different voices and to think about how their chosen voice affects the tone and impact of their writing. 3. Optional: Students can share their letters with a partner or in small groups, discussing the voice they chose and why.

Conclusion (5 minutes): 1. Recap the concept of voice in writing, emphasizing that it is a way for writers to express their personality and emotions. 2. Ask students to reflect on how using different voices can change the way a piece of writing is perceived by the reader. 3. Encourage students to continue exploring and developing their own unique voices in their future writing.