Shadowing Practice: DEAR GIRL by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Paris Rosenthal - Children's Books Read Aloud - Learn English Speaking with Video

Creating lesson...
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Welcome to BVStoryTime.
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Do you want to read this book with me?
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Dear Girl, by Amy Krause Rosenthal.
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I'm Paris Rosenthal.
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Illustrated by Holly Haddam.
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Dear Girl, keep that arm raised.
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You have smart things to say.
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Dear girl, sometimes you may feel like being pink and sparkly.
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Sometimes you may feel pretty much the opposite.
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Dear girl, look at yourself in the mirror.
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Say thank you to something that makes you, you.
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Thank you, Freckles.
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Thank you, Birthmark.
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Thank you, Red Hair.
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Dear girl, sometimes you just need a good cry.
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Sometimes you'll need a friend.
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Sometimes you'll need to be alone.
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Sometimes you'll need a tissue.
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Sometimes you'll need a bucket.
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Dear girl, do you know that there's no such thing as asking too many questions? Who?
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What? When? Where?
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Why?
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How?
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Dear girl, write down your thoughts once in a while.
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Even if it's just to enjoy the way your pen feels against the paper.
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Dear girl, make your room awesome.
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Make your room you.
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And while you're at it, make your bed.
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Adventure is worthwhile in itself.
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Amelia Earhart Dear girl, don't ever lose your sense of wonder.
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Dear girl, sometimes you've just gotta stop and dance.
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Dear girl, find people like you.
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Find people unlike you.
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Dear girl, create traditions.
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Fun, crazy handshakes, and silly inside jokes.
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Dear girl, if your instinct is telling you to say no, Say no, you know.
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No. Dear girl, coloring outside the lines is cool too.
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Dear girl, there are no rules about what to wear or how to cut your hair.
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Dear girl, you know what's really boring?
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When people say how bored they are.
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Dear girl, listen to your brave side.
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Gosh, I dunno.
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I've got this.
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Dear girl, you won't be invited to every single party on the planet, which is really okay.
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Can you imagine how exhausting that would be?
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Dear girl, a tree trunk is a perfect place for quiet thoughts to be sunk.
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Dear Girl, Whenever you need an encouraging boost, remember, you can turn to any page in this book.
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Most of all, Dear Girl, who I love, know that you can always,
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always, always turn to me.
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If you like it, please give a thumbs up or share it.
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Have a great day and see you in my next video.

About This Lesson

In this lesson, learners will engage with the children's book "Dear Girl" by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Paris Rosenthal. This read-aloud session offers an excellent opportunity to practice listening and speaking skills through the fascinating narrative aimed at young girls but filled with universal messages. As you follow along, you’ll enhance your ability to articulate thoughts and ideas inspired by the text, making this an excellent resource for your IELTS speaking practice. By focusing on the clear and friendly tone of the reading, you’ll learn to improve your English pronunciation and expressiveness when speaking.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

  • Smart things to say - Useful for expressing your ideas clearly.
  • Thank you - A common phrase to express gratitude, essential in everyday conversations.
  • A good cry - An idiomatic expression that conveys the idea of releasing emotions.
  • Asking questions - A vital communication skill, especially for engaging in discussions.
  • Make your bed - Indicates responsibility and personal space management.
  • Coloring outside the lines - A metaphor for creativity and thinking outside the box.
  • Listen to your brave side - Encourages self-confidence and assertiveness.
  • Traditions - Important for discussing cultural practices and personal identity.

Practice Tips

To maximize your learning experience with this video, consider employing the shadowing technique. This involves listening to the speaker and repeating their words closely in real time, enhancing your fluency and pronunciation. Since "Dear Girl" is read at a gentle pace, it provides an excellent opportunity for effective shadow speak. Here are some tailored tips:

  • Start Slow: Initially, pause the video after each phrase to repeat it. Gradually, try to speak along with the narrator, mimicking their speed and tone.
  • Focus on Emotion: The book has a warm and encouraging tone. Pay attention to the speaker’s emotional cues and try to incorporate this into your delivery.
  • Use a Mirror: Practicing in front of a mirror can help with body language and pronunciation, making your speaking practice more effective.
  • Record Yourself: Occasionally record your shadowing sessions to track progress in your clarity and confidence.
  • Engagement: After shadowing, discuss the themes of the book with a friend or language partner to further enhance your speaking skills.

By implementing these practices, you will be well on your way to mastering your English speaking abilities, ultimately improving your performance for IELTS speaking tests and everyday conversations.

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.