Nancy Dean Livres

Lessons on diction, detail, figurative language, imagery, syntax, and tone help middle and early high school students understand the concept of voice in what they read and develop a strong, personal voice in their own writing. Each voice lesson takes only 10-20 minutes to complete and includes a quotation selected from a wide range of literature, two discussion questions, and an exercise that encourages students to practice what they have learned about the elements of voice. Discovering Voice also offers a collection of quotations students can use to create their own voice lessons. Discussion suggestions for each voice lesson and additional activities for teaching voice further promote critical analysis. Each of the seven packs on the elements of voice―diction, detail, figurative language 1 (metaphors, similes, and personification), figurative language 2 (hyperboles, symbols, and irony), imagery, syntax, and tone―include an introduction, lessons with discussion questions and an exercise, “write-your-own” voice lessons, a list of additional activities for teaching voice, and discussion suggestions.

Finding Voice, written by Nancy Dean with Natalie Danaher, is a foundational book for elementary students and teachers that addresses close reading of complex text through understanding and practicing the elements of voice. The book is a collection of classroom lessons that cover the tools authors use to shape voice and meaning: diction, detail, imagery, figurative language, and tone. Every voice lesson includes a quotation selected from a wide range of engaging fiction and nonfiction text, two discussion questions, an exercise that encourages students to practice what they have learned, and discussion suggestions so that possible answers are at the teacher's fingertips. The lessons will help students understand the elements of voice in what they read and encourage them to try out the elements of voice in their own writing. The Finding Voice lessons are specifically designed for students in grades 3 to 6. These lessons provide focused examination and practice for a specific element of voice and take only 10 to 20 minutes of class time. The lessons of Finding Voice: Introductory Lessons to Teach Reading and Writing of Complex Text fit well with any literacy and language arts curriculum. As students work with each element of voice, they will improve their ability to critically analyze text. Students will also learn to apply the elements of voice to their own writing, creating a clear voice of their own.