tone

Definition: Tone is how a writer or speaker feels about what they're saying, and how they want you to feel too.

When reading a story, using a gentle tone for a lullaby shows a calm feeling.

How to teach this in 30 seconds

Try this analogy: Tone is like the feeling in your voice — are you happy, sad, or maybe a little bit silly?

Ask your child: Say 'good morning' like you're very sleepy.

Common mix-up: Kids may think tone is just about being loud or quiet. Tone is really about the feeling behind the words, like happy, angry, or curious.

Examples

Using a fast, excited tone when talking about your birthday party.
A character shouting 'Look out.' has a worried or urgent tone.
A drawing with dark, stormy colours can have a sad or scary tone.

tone is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.

+2 more mentions across the curriculum

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The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗

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