Finding Voice: Introductory Lessons to Teach Reading and Writing of Complex Text(Maupin House)

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.

About the Author :
Nancy Dean, professor emerita at the P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School, University of Florida, is an experienced teacher, literacy coach, and curriculum specialist. Committed to school improvement and meaningful professional development, Nancy has worked extensively with teachers and school leaders in both urban and rural schools throughout the United States. She is the Associate Director for Professional Learning at the National Literacy Project and a national consultant in secondary literacy and literacy leadership. Nancy is a co-author of several books on adolescent literacy and the author of Voice Lessons: Classroom Activities to Teach Diction, Detail, Imagery, Syntax, and Tone and Discovering Voice: Lessons to Teach Reading and Writing of Complex Text.

Review :
Every once in a while, an author writes a professional book that is "just what I needed." Finding Voice: Introductory Lessons to Teach Reading and Writing of Complex Text is a great resource for upper elementary teachers including Grade 6. . . .Finding Voice is a GPS system for the language arts teacher. It is a guide and repository of lessons that will help you navigate the murky pieces of writing that may grace your desk - and make that writing clear and inviting to read. . . .Take advantage of this excellent resource to assist your students in being able to closely read and apply what they are reading to become more proficient writers of complex text. Take advantage of this resource to help them know how and when to use detail, imagery, tone, words, and figurative language into their writing.-- "MiddleWeb" Help students read closely and carefully and write powerfully, expressing their own distinctive personalities. The lessons and activities in this book will teach students to understand voice in reading and to use the elements of voice effectively in their writing.-- "Learning Magazine" The value of these short lessons should not be underestimated as they resonate for both challenged and advanced writers. Students will benefit from using these lessons to enhance their writing. Teachers will find useful charts that can be easily incorporated into their work plan. Of most interest, are the examples of student work that validate the power of the elements of voice and how it becomes integral in their writing style over time.-- "Marlene Levin, Reading and Writing Coach, Chicago Public Schools"