Using Body Language
STUDY
Introduce to children the idea of using gestures, movements and facial expressions to tell the reader what a character is like.
Explain to children that body language is made up of the various movements, poses or facial expressions that people use, either
purposefully or accidentally, that can tell others about their attitudes, thoughts or feelings. They often secretly reveal something to us as
a reader. Ask children to think about which gestures, movements and facial expressions their character might show that tell the reader
what they are like, how they are feeling or what they are really thinking.
Ask the class whether anyone can find an example of a writer using this technique in the books they are reading. Someone who is
particularly good at this is the children’s writer Piers Torday.
DISCUSS
• Has anyone in the class used this technique before?
• What do you think of this technique? Is it helpful?
• What body language do people display that gives away how they are feeling?
CREATE
Encourage children to try out this technique during the lesson today.
Resources
Using body language
Power English: Writing Plan © Pearson
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