Context
Writing isn't the only way to tell a story or express an idea. This lesson introduces students to the power of their own voice through audio journaling. Using the simple yet powerful Voice Memos app, students will learn to record their thoughts, reflections, and stories, transforming their iPad into a personal recording studio.
This is a lesson in confident communication and digital storytelling. Students will discover that recording their voice can be a powerful tool for brainstorming, practising speeches, or even creating short, podcast-style entries. They will learn basic audio editing skills, like trimming and naming their recordings, giving them control over their final product.
By learning to capture and refine their spoken words, students will build confidence in their voice, develop their verbal communication skills, and create a unique and personal archive of their ideas.
Preparation & Flow
For this lesson, students will need an iPad with the Voice Memos app.
The Power of the Spoken Word (5 mins)
Start by playing a short, engaging clip from a famous speech or a popular podcast.
Lead a discussion: "What makes listening to someone's voice different from reading their words? How does their tone and pace affect the message?"
A Tour of the Recording Studio (10 mins)
Project the Voice Memos app and guide students through the basic functions:
Recording: Show them the big red button to start and stop a recording.
Pausing & Resuming: Demonstrate how to pause a recording and then resume it.
Saving & Naming: Show them how to save their recording and, crucially, how to tap the title to rename it from "New Recording" to something descriptive.
The "One-Minute Thought" Challenge (15 mins)
Give students a simple, low-pressure prompt. Examples: "What is one thing you're looking forward to this week?" or "Describe your favourite place in the world."
Students must record themselves speaking on the topic for approximately one minute. Encourage them to speak clearly and naturally.
Clean Up Your Audio (15 mins)
Guide students through the editing process:
Select the recording they just made and tap "Edit Recording."
Show them the trimming tool in the top-right corner.
Demonstrate how to drag the yellow handles to trim any dead air at the beginning or mistakes at the end of their recording.
Have them save their trimmed version.
Listen and Reflect (5 mins)
Have students listen back to their own edited, one-minute recording with headphones.
Ask them to reflect silently: "Does your voice sound confident? Is your main idea clear?"
Possible Extensions
Interview a Classmate: In pairs, students can practice their interviewing skills by recording a short interview with each other.
From the LearnGrowCreate Team
Main author: Sharon
Attach up to 5 files which will be available for other members to download.