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      Reading aloud writing based on 'The Proudest Blue'

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can read my writing aloud to present to others.

      Key learning points

      1. Reading aloud is a way to present your writing to an audience.
      2. Volume, eye contact, body language and pace are important for connecting to the audience effectively.
      3. Style of presentation is impacted by what you are reading aloud.
      4. Personal writing should be delivered in an expressive and emotive way using emphasis where appropriate.
      5. Rehearsing reading aloud helps to prepare us for presenting.

      Keywords

      • Presenting - involves speaking in front of others and listening to others

      • Audience - a group of people gathered to watch a presentation or performance

      • Emphasis - intonation of tone to make words stand out

      • Rehearsing - practising something so we get better at it

      Common misconception

      Children sometimes find it difficult to learn and distinguish between raised voice and projection.

      Model the differences and look at techniques for projection (e.g. breathing and speaking from our core).

      Teacher tip

      Read the teacher model aloud in a formal and serious manner and ask children to discuss why it is not appropriate for this style of writing. Offer an opportunity for pupils to give feedback to their peers.

      Equipment

      You will need a copy of the 2020 Andersen Press edition of ‘The Proudest Blue’ by Ibtihaj Muhammad for this lesson.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is it called when we deliver a piece of writing to an audience?

      a special event
      Correct answer: a presentation
      a song

      Q2.
      What is the special item in 'The Proudest Blue'?

      the sky
      Correct answer: the hijab
      the dress

      Q3.
      When doing a piece of writing, what should you do when you have finished writing?

      nothing
      Correct answer: read it to check it makes sense
      Correct answer: make any edits and improvements needed

      Q4.
      What does a simile do?

      shows the difference between two things
      Correct answer: shows a similarity between two things
      shows two things being exactly the same

      Q5.
      What effect does a simile have on the reader?

      Correct answer: it creates vivid imagery in their mind
      makes the reader lose interest
      it describes exactly what something is

      Q6.
      What is the name for the people you may present a piece of writing to?

      Correct answer: audience
      gang
      team

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is volume?

      how we pronounce words
      the speed at which we speak
      Correct answer: how quiet or loud a sound is

      Q2.
      What is eye contact?

      touching our eyes
      Correct answer: looking audience members in the eye
      how we use our body

      Q3.
      What is body language?

      Correct answer: our posture, stance and gestures to communicate
      the speed at which we move our body
      what we wear while presenting

      Q4.
      What is pace?

      how loud we speak
      how we connect to the audience
      Correct answer: the speed at which we speak

      Q5.
      How would delivering a presentation of a personal piece of writing differ from a formal piece of writing?

      you would sing it
      Correct answer: you would deliver in a more emotive and expressive way
      you would remain formal at all times

      Q6.
      Which words would you emphasise when presenting?

      every word
      words that are tricky to say
      Correct answer: words that you want to highlight or deliver in a specific way

      To help you plan your 2 English lesson on: Reading aloud writing based on 'The Proudest Blue', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...