READING WITH EXPRESSION is a strategy that all good readers need because it not only helps us when we read aloud, but also when we are silently reading. It allows to to add voice to the characters and comprehend what is going on in the story through fluency.
| This is what expressive reading looks like. |
Practice Makes Perfect
We will be working on READING WITH EXPRESSION over the next few days using William Shakespeare's Macbeth. Shakespeare is often hard to understand, but is one of the most famous writers ever because of his use of expression in his characters. Take a look at this video about Macbeth so that you can get an idea of what this story is all about.
Steps for Group Work
Step 1: With your group, read this piece aloud a few times and figure out what the witches are talking about. Stop every few lines to discuss. On the third read (or even the fourth), circle any words that you have not been able to figure out their meanings.
Step 2: Now that we have looked at unfamiliar words, read the chant ALOUD again and mark the words your group thinks are the most powerful. You know... those words that really conjure up great sensory images!
Step 3: Practice reading the chant aloud. Read it expressively. If you need to review what that means, go back and watch the videos above. Your group will be reading this aloud to the class. Make sure to think about HOW you are going to read the lines so that you seriously sound like witches.
- Where are the good places to pause for the audience to really let the lines sink in?
- How are you going to say those words we marked so that their power reaches the
audience?
- What does each line mean? What is your groups interpretation (what are the witches
saying)?
** Make sure to mark your notes on your chant
Step 4: Since you have not determined your interpretation of the chant, you need to decide on your solo parts. The lines that are marked "ALL" will be read together, but the rest need to be sorted out between your groups members. You should all have an equal number of lines. There are many different ways to do this, so be creative!
** You can view the rubric to see how you will be graded.
HOMEWORK: COMPLETE your Character Resume for your witch and PRACTICE
reading the chant so that you are ready to perform!
Step 2: Now that we have looked at unfamiliar words, read the chant ALOUD again and mark the words your group thinks are the most powerful. You know... those words that really conjure up great sensory images!
Step 3: Practice reading the chant aloud. Read it expressively. If you need to review what that means, go back and watch the videos above. Your group will be reading this aloud to the class. Make sure to think about HOW you are going to read the lines so that you seriously sound like witches.
- Where are the good places to pause for the audience to really let the lines sink in?
- How are you going to say those words we marked so that their power reaches the
audience?
- What does each line mean? What is your groups interpretation (what are the witches
saying)?
** Make sure to mark your notes on your chant
Step 4: Since you have not determined your interpretation of the chant, you need to decide on your solo parts. The lines that are marked "ALL" will be read together, but the rest need to be sorted out between your groups members. You should all have an equal number of lines. There are many different ways to do this, so be creative!
** You can view the rubric to see how you will be graded.
HOMEWORK: COMPLETE your Character Resume for your witch and PRACTICE
reading the chant so that you are ready to perform!