Jennifer Gill

BDA Lesson Plan

EDR 317
September 5, 2016
Reading With Expression
Grade: 2
Learning Outcomes
Students will identify why expression is important when reading text.
Students will read in a manner consistent with the meaning.
Standards
CC.1.1.3.E Read with accuracy and fluency to support comprehension
Anticipatory Set
I will read a short story aloud to the class twice. The first time, I am going to read with no
expression at all. The second time, I am going to read with expression.
Boys and girls please make your way to the rug, I am going to read you a short story two
times. While I am reading, I want you to pay close attention to the way in which I am reading the
story and keep mental notes on which time you liked better. Be ready to explain your reasoning
to your classmates.
I finally broke free from the swarm of defenders on the other team with only 30 seconds
left in the game. I had a clear path straight to the net, and it was just me and the goalie. I
dribbled the ball as fast as I could with every bit of energy I had left. Just when I was close
enough, WHAM, I kicked the ball as hard as I could into the upper left corner of the net and
held my breath. My body was jumping up and down with disbelief before my mind could even
process what had just happened, my team and I just won the championship soccer game.
Now that I have read this story twice, I want you to take a minute or two to turn and talk
with a friend about which reading you liked better and discuss why. Be ready to share your ideas
with the class.
The class will have a discussion that will go somewhat like this: So boys and girls, which
reading did you like better? (The second one) It seems that all of you enjoyed the second
reading better. Can someone tell me why? (It made me feel like I was at the game, it had more
meaning to it, ect.) I agree boys and girls, I think the second reading was definitely more
enjoyable, but Ill tell you a little secret. I used a skill in the second reading that I didnt use in the
first one. Its called expression! Expression is when we read a story in manner consistent with

the meaning of the text. Expression makes reading meaningful and enjoyable, this is the skill we
are going to be practicing today.
Procedures
Before Reading- The best way to decide what kind of expression you will use while reading a
story without reading the text is by the title and the illustrations. The book we will be reading as a
class today is called Manfred The Baddie by John Fardell. *Show cover of story to class*.
Based on the cover and the title of the book, in what way do we think we are going to read this
text? (Children will respond in a scary tone, in a creepy voice ect.)
During reading- The reason I chose this book is because the expression changes throughout
the story. I will read for the students in a creepy/scary voice for the first half of the book. Then I
will stop on page 17 because Manfred has change of heart and decides to be a goodie. Im
going to stop here because it looks like Manfred has had a change of heart. Now that he has
decided to be good instead of bad, do we think our expression while reading should change as
well? If I read in a scary/mean voice for Manfred the Baddie, what kind of expression do you
think I should use for Manfred the Goodie? (Children will respond a kind/happy voice ect.) I will
then change my expression for the second half of the book.
After Reading- Now that we have discussed what expression is and how we use it when
reading text,I want you to work with your reading partners (Students will already be paired based
on their reading levels). Using a book of your own choosing, I want you to first look at the cover
and title of the book and discuss what kind of expression you think you should use when reading
the book. After you have discussed, I want you to begin reading with expression and switch off
every page.
Closure- Return to group discussion, and reflect on the paired read-alouds. Now that you have
worked in pairs and tried is for yourselves, tell me what you think about reading with expression.
(Allow students to respond). Im glad you all enjoyed the new skill we learned today. Hopefully
you will start using expression not only when you read aloud, but also when you are reading
books independently.
AssessmentFormative: I will assess students understanding of what expression is and why it is important
during our whole group discussion. I will assess students application of expression while they
are reading to each other in pairs.
Materials Manfred the Baddie by John Fardell
Books for paired reading (classroom library)