Level 1 • Lesson 48 — Reading with expression

Objective

Read short sentences with expression by using punctuation marks and feeling words to guide your voice.

Materials

Pencil/Paper to copy one sentence and draw a feeling face next to it
The Sound Pad (bottom right corner) to hear letter and digraph sounds

Mini-lesson — What is reading with expression?

When you read with expression, your voice matches what is happening in the sentence.

Your voice does not sound the same all the time. It can sound happy, sad, excited, or curious depending on the words and the ending mark.

At the end of a sentence, you might see:

Period (.) — read in a calm, steady voice. It is telling you something.
Question mark (?) — read in a curious, asking voice. Your voice can go up a little at the end.
Exclamation mark (!) — read in a strong voice. It can show excitement, surprise, or a big feeling.

Feeling words can also give you clues:

“I am sad.” — use a softer, lower voice.
“I am so excited!” — use a louder, happier voice.

When you read, look at the last mark and the feeling words. Then choose a voice that fits.

Remember: punctuation and feeling words are like little signs that tell your voice what to do.

Picture strip: Punctuation and expression

Guided Practice — Read the expression mini-book

How to use this mini-book:

On each page, look at the punctuation mark at the end.
Think: Should my voice be calm, curious, soft, or excited?
Read the sentence out loud in that voice.

After reading, choose one sentence and write it on your paper. Draw a small face next to it to show the feeling.

Expression helpers

. ? ! happy sad excited calm

Tip: Change your face and your voice to match the feeling in the sentence.

Mini-Book: My expressive day

1

I wake up. I feel calm.

These are telling sentences with periods. Read them in a calm voice.

2

What is that sound?

This is a question with a question mark. Read it in a curious voice.

3

I see my friend at the door!

This has an exclamation mark. Read it in an excited voice.

4

I drop my snack. I feel sad.

These are telling sentences. Read them in a softer, sad voice.

Reading Practice — Drag the correct expression voice

Each sentence has punctuation and feeling words that give you a clue about how your voice should sound. Drag the correct feeling voice into the empty box: calm voice, curious voice, excited voice, or sad voice. Chips stay in their own question. When you are done, press “Check sentences.”

I have a new book. I should use a .