Book Logo Language & Literacy icon.

Language & Literacy

Materials:

Purple flower

None

Your Child Will Learn

How to change their tone and volume of expression while communicating.

role-play-voices

Role Play Voices

Here's What To Do

1

While you’re role playing or pretend playing with your child, encourage them to use their tone of voice or volume to make the different characters come alive.

2

Ask your child questions to support them. For example, “Oh, you’re a monster? How does your monster sound?”

3

As they assign you a role, describe what you’re doing and why you sound that way to help them understand. For example, “Uh oh, he left his wallet, I will shout so he can hear me tell him to come back!”

Mother and child play together (animated).

Put PEER Into Action

P

Pause:

  • Invite your child to join you in playing pretend. Have their attention? You’re ready to go!
E

Engage:

  • “Let’s choose some favorite characters and think about what they sound like.”
  • “How is your character feeling? Can you make up a voice for that character?”
E

Encourage:

  • “How should I sound if I am feeling ____?”
  • “Are we pretending to be inside or outside? How loud should I be talking then?”
R

Reflect:

  • “How did it feel while you were pretending to be ___?”

Not quite ready?

Focus on either volume or tone, rather than both.

Ready for more?

Encourage your child to use their facial expressions and body language as well.

Variable color muffin tins (animated)

As your child masters this skill...

They will explore a variety of forms of expression while communicating.

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