- Definition
Voice" in writing is like a person's unique way of talking – it's how the author uses words and style to make their writing sound and feel a certain way.
A story that uses bouncy, rhyming words has a playful and happy voice.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A story's voice is like how a person's voice sounds different when they're happy, sad, or telling a secret.
Ask your child: How does the person telling this story sound?
Common mix-up: Kids might think 'voice' only means someone speaking out loud. A story's voice is the feeling it creates, even when you read it quietly in your head.
Examples
- Using short, quiet words can create a spooky or mysterious voice.
- A lullaby has a soft, gentle voice to help you feel sleepy.
voice is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Grade 1 The Arts
- Grade 2 The Arts
- Grade 4 The Arts
- Grade 5 The Arts
- Grade 8 The Arts
- Grade 1 Language Arts
+34 more mentions across the curriculum
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 ↗
