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Fifth grade students have had lots of practice reading aloud, but at this age, they can be reluctant to practice this skill. Giving your child the task of writing to convey an emotion and then asking him to read his writing aloud gives him the opportunity to become a better reader and speaker.

By strengthening their oral communication skills, students become confident speakers, whether they are speaking one-on-one or to an audience. Here’s a great activity that will bring out the performer in your child!

What You Need:

  • Paper
  • Pencil
  • Audience

What You Do:

Step 1:
Have your child write a short commercial about an exciting place he has visited. Places can include vacation spots, day trips, or local outings. Help him edit the commercial and set the mood to show excitement.

Step 2:
Ask your child to write another commercial. This time have him write about a food that he loves to eat. Encourage him to use words that will convey a feeling of happiness.

Step 3:
For the final commercial, have your child write about the effects of smoking, cancer and lung disease. Ask him to use words that when read aloud will make the listener feel angry and sad.

Step 4:
Now it’s time for your child to play the part of the actor and practice reading each commercial. Encourage him to read fluently and with expression conveying the mood of each short commercial.

Step 5:
Lights! Camera! Action! Now it’s time to gather an audience. Grab a seat. Your child, acting as the commercial spokesperson, is ready to read!