[jcflies]

Hi guys, Happy WInter Break to you all! I have a growing problem. I use my voice a lot and have always made read-alouds extra fun by using a wide variety of cartoon-like voices for the characters (when appropriate.) I have to raise my voice a few times a day, and the combination of everything is causing overuse hoarseness. Has anyone else ever experienced this, and, if so, how did you solve it? I'm in my 50s, and general loss of elasticity could be part of it. I'm super healthy, otherwise....

Thanks,
and Happy Holidays!
(We've earned them!)

[booklady57]

First, rest your voice as much as possible over the holidays.
Second, consider seeing an ENT doctor for a check-up. Vocal nodules are a common problem for teachers.
Some of the newer schools in our area are installing room speaker systems in the classrooms--the teacher wears a portable microphone, and the speakers amplify the sound all over the room. There are some simple versions of this that you could buy--not cheap, though!
Good luck!

P.S. Have you considered taking voice lessons? A good teacher can help you learn to use your voice in a way that is more healthy.

[123rabbit]

Record your stories in a power point presentation or another program.