Write a short sentence and use any of the 3 voices to deliver it!
Write a short sentence and speak it aloud in three different voices—happy, whispering, and dramatic—to notice how tone changes meaning.
Step-by-step guide to write a short sentence and speak it aloud in three different voices
Step 1
Gather your paper pencil and mirror.
Step 2
Think of one short sentence about something you like.
Step 3
Write your sentence clearly on the paper.
Step 4
Read the sentence out loud in a normal voice.
Step 5
Say the sentence in a happy voice.
Step 6
Write one word on your paper that describes how the happy voice made the sentence feel.
Step 7
Say the sentence in a quiet whispering voice.
Step 8
Write one word on your paper that describes how the whispering voice made the sentence feel.
Step 9
Say the sentence in a dramatic big voice.
Step 10
Write one word on your paper that describes how the dramatic voice changed the feeling.
Step 11
Share your finished creation on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use instead of a mirror, paper, or pencil if we don't have them?
If you don't have a mirror, use a reflective spoon, a window, or your phone's front camera, and substitute a notebook or scrap paper and any pen or crayon to complete the 'write the sentence' steps.
If my child whispers too quietly or can't hear differences between voices, how can we fix it?
If you can't hear differences, record each version on a phone while saying the sentence in normal, happy, whispering, and dramatic voices and replay to decide the one-word feelings to write.
How can we adapt this activity for a toddler versus an older child?
For toddlers, use a single familiar word, have an adult model each voice and help write the one-word feeling on paper, while older children can write two sentences, use the mirror for facial expressions, and record the performance to share on DIY.org.
How can we make the activity more creative or personal?
Personalize it by drawing a small emoji or face next to each feeling word on your paper, wearing a hat or using a prop for the dramatic voice, and filming your three-voice performance to post on DIY.org.
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Facts about speech and voice activities for kids
❓ A rising pitch at the end of an English sentence often signals a question, while a falling pitch usually sounds like a statement.
😄 A happy voice usually uses a higher pitch and wider pitch range, which makes it sound bright and energetic!
🎭 Actors often use the exact same sentence in many different voices, and the tone alone can change the whole meaning (try 'I'm fine').
👶 Babies prefer 'motherese' (higher, exaggerated tones) because it helps them notice words and learn language faster.
🤫 Whispering doesn't use normal vocal-fold vibration — it's mostly made with airflow and a soft hissing sound.
How do I do the "three voices" sentence activity with my child?
What materials do I need for the three voices sentence game?
What ages is the "say a sentence three ways" activity suitable for?
What are the benefits of practicing voices with short sentences?
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