Shadowing Practice: 311 - Learn English Speaking with Video

Creating lesson...
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Welcome to BVStoryTime, children's books read aloud.
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I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont Illustrated by David Catrow I like myself.
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I'm glad I'm me.
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There's no one else I'd rather be.
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I like my eyes, my ears, my nose.
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I like my fingers and my toes.
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I like me wild.
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I like me tame.
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I like me different and the same.
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I like me fast.
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I like me slow.
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I like me everywhere I go.
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I like me on the inside, too, for all I think and say and do.
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Inside, outside, upside down, from head to toe and all around, I like it all.
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It all is me, and me is all I want to be.
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And I don't care in any way what someone else may think or say.
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I may be called a silly nut, or a crazy cuckoo bird. So what?
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I'm having so much fun, you see, for anything to bother me.
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Even when I look a mess, I still don't like me any less.
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Cause nothing in this world, you know, can change what's deep inside.
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And so, no matter if they stop and stare,
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No person, ever, anywhere, can make me feel that what they see is all there really is to me.
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I'd still like me with fleas or warts, or with a silly snout that snorts, or knobby knees or hippo hips,
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or purple polka dotted lips, or beaver breath or stinky toes,
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or horns protruding from my nose.
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Or yikes with spikes all down my spine or hair that's like a porcupine.
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I still would be the same you see.
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I like myself because I mean.
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Hi everyone, thank you so much for watching my video.
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I hope you all enjoyed the story.
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If you like it, please give a thumbs up or share it.
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And remember to subscribe so you won't miss any new videos.
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Have a great day and see you in my next video.
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Thank you.

About This Lesson

In this lesson, you will engage in English speaking practice focused on the delightful children's book "I Like Myself" by Karen Beaumont. The story emphasizes self-acceptance and positivity, making it an enjoyable choice for learners of all ages. By practicing along with the transcript, you will enhance your ability to express emotions and concepts related to self-identity, which is essential for effective communication. You'll also work on improving your overall English pronunciation as you follow the rhythm and tone of the reading, which has a playful and uplifting character.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

  • Like myself - A phrase expressing self-acceptance.
  • Different and the same - Represents the idea of embracing individuality while recognizing similarities.
  • Inside - Refers to inner thoughts and feelings.
  • Toes - A body part, emphasizing comfort with one's own body.
  • Deep inside - Indicates profound emotions or beliefs.
  • Make me feel - An expression used to convey emotional responses.
  • Silly nut - A light-hearted self-description indicating fun and playfulness.
  • Having fun - A phrase that captures enjoyment and spontaneity in life.

Practice Tips

To maximize your learning from this video, consider using the shadowing technique, which involves mimicking the speaker's tone, speed, and pronunciation. Here are a few steps to follow:

  • Reduce Speed: The speaker's pace is engaging but may be challenging at first. Use a shadowing app to help slow down the audio if necessary.
  • Listen Before You Speak: Play a small segment and listen closely before trying to repeat it. Focus on the rhythm of the sentences.
  • Record Yourself: After attempting to shadow the video, record your voice and listen for improvement in your pronunciation.
  • Emphasize Emotions: Pay attention to where the speaker emphasizes words and phrases. Mimicking these intonations will make your speaking sound more natural.
  • Repeat Regularly: Consistent practice is key. Repeat sections multiple times throughout the week to build confidence and fluency.

Engaging in this method will not only refine your English pronunciation but also deepen your understanding of the emotional and expressive nature of the English language. Enjoy the journey of self-discovery as you learn with "I Like Myself!"

What is the Shadowing Technique?

Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.