Reading with Expression
Learn
What is Reading with Expression?
Expression means using your voice to show feelings and meaning when you read. It makes reading sound interesting and fun to listen to!
When you read with expression, you are like an actor! You make the characters come alive with your voice.
Ways to Add Expression
- Change your voice - Make it louder, softer, higher, or lower
- Show feelings - Sound happy, sad, scared, or excited
- Use pauses - Stop at periods and take tiny pauses at commas
- Match the mood - If the story is exciting, sound excited!
Punctuation Helps You Know How to Read
Punctuation Guide
- Period (.) - Stop and take a breath. Your voice goes down at the end.
- Question mark (?) - Your voice goes UP at the end, like you are asking something.
- Exclamation point (!) - Sound excited, surprised, or use a strong voice!
- Comma (,) - Take a tiny pause, but keep going.
Examples
Let's practice reading with expression!
Example 1: Question vs. Statement
Statement: "You have a dog." (Voice goes DOWN at the end)
Question: "You have a dog?" (Voice goes UP at the end)
Try both! Notice how different they sound!
Example 2: Exclamation Point
"Look out!" the boy shouted.
How to read it: Say "Look out!" in a loud, excited voice - like you are warning someone!
The exclamation point tells you to sound strong or excited.
Example 3: Showing Feelings
"I am so happy!" said the girl.
How to read it: Use a cheerful, excited voice when you say "I am so happy!"
Make your voice match the feeling - she is happy, so sound happy!
Example 4: Different Characters
"Hello," said the big bear. "Hello," said the tiny mouse.
Big bear: Use a deep, low voice: "Hello."
Tiny mouse: Use a high, squeaky voice: "Hello."
Change your voice for different characters!
Example 5: Matching the Mood
"It was a dark and scary night. The wind howled."
How to read it: Use a quiet, spooky voice. Read slowly to build suspense.
The mood is scary, so make your voice sound mysterious!
Practice Problems
Practice reading these sentences with expression!
1. Read with expression: "Are you coming to my party?"
Show Tip
This is a question! Make your voice go UP at the end. Sound friendly and curious.
2. Read with expression: "Wow! That is amazing!"
Show Tip
Two exclamation points! Sound very excited and surprised!
3. Read with expression: "I lost my teddy bear," she said sadly.
Show Tip
Make your voice sound sad and quiet when you read her words.
4. Read with expression: "Stop! Do not go in there!"
Show Tip
Sound like you are warning someone! Use a loud, urgent voice.
5. Read with expression: "What time is it?"
Show Tip
This is a question. Make your voice go up at the end.
6. Read with expression: "The dragon roared, 'I am the king!'"
Show Tip
Use a big, powerful voice for the dragon. Sound fierce and proud!
7. Read with expression: "Shh, the baby is sleeping."
Show Tip
Use a quiet, soft whisper voice. Do not wake the baby!
8. Read with expression: "I can not wait for my birthday!"
Show Tip
Sound excited and happy! The exclamation point tells you to show excitement.
9. Read with expression: "Oh no, it is raining."
Show Tip
Sound disappointed. Your plans might be ruined by the rain!
10. Read with expression: "We won the game! Hooray!"
Show Tip
Sound super happy and excited! Celebrate with your voice!
Check Your Understanding
Answer these questions about reading with expression!
1. What does reading with expression mean?
Show Answer
Reading with expression means using your voice to show feelings and meaning. You make the words sound interesting!
2. When you see a question mark, what should your voice do?
Show Answer
Your voice should go UP at the end of a question.
3. How should you read a sentence that ends with an exclamation point?
Show Answer
Read it with a strong, excited voice! Show emotion like surprise, excitement, or urgency.
4. Why is reading with expression important?
Show Answer
It makes reading more interesting and fun to listen to. It helps bring stories to life!
Next Steps
- Practice reading stories out loud with lots of expression
- Try doing different voices for different characters
- Go back to Reading Smoothly if you need to review
- You are becoming an amazing reader!