Discovering Voice: Lessons to Teach Reading and Writing of Complex Text

Discovering Voice is a collection of classroom exercises that helps students deeply understand the reading and writing of complex text. The lessons, which cover diction, detail, figurative language, imagery, syntax, and tone, help students understand voice in what they read and encourage them to develop a strong, personal voice in their own writing. Every voice lesson includes a quotation selected from a wide range of fiction and nonfiction text, two discussion questions, and an exercise that encourages students to practice what they have learned about the elements of voice. These lessons are specifically designed for students in middle and high school. The lessons provide focused practice for a specific element of voice and take only 10 to 20 minutes of class time. Discovering Voice lessons fit well with any curriculum. As students work with the elements that comprise 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.