Sentence stress
Adding stress on a word in a sentence tells the listener a message that the word is important. Using stress in speaking delivers a rhythm and tone that is essential in speaking fluent English.
Suggested Activity
Game: Storybook Rhythm
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Objective:
Students will demonstrate their knowledge of sentence stress through reading a picture book aloud.
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Directions:
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Model reading a picture book.
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Ask students to reflect on how to properly read picture books from their own experiences.
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For homework, have students find a children's picture book and practice reading it aloud. *Students can borrow a picture book at the University of Lethbridge Education Curriculum Lab.
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Students will bring in their chosen book to continue their practice, but this time they will read it to a partner.
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Then ask students to present their picture book to the class or record and submit it.
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Video Example:
For more resources...
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Sentence stress and rhythm - This is a link to a six section unit on sentence stress and rhythm.
Talk a lot: Sentence stress - This link goes to a pdf with activities on sentence stress..
Sentence Search - This is a link to or pdf of a game on sentence stress patterns.
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Limericks - This links to a pdf of an activity about limericks to help students learn about rhythm.