Narration

1. Narration An Instructional Strategy

2. Definition: Narration: the symbolic presentation or a sequence of events connected by subject matter and related by time

3. Features: • Gives meaning to our experiences and helps make sense of what is important • Gives structure to experience – order and coherence (not necessarily chronologically) • Promotes personal and social growth • Creates memories and is a way of retelling history within a culture • Narratives parallel the way people think • It is a ay of inquiring into human experience

4. Advantages: • Students are revealing their thoughts, experiences and impressions • It allows students to speak for him/herself • Allows students to work cooperatively • Personal thoughts and experiences can be expressed • Participation is visual, not just oral • It is an opportunity to use traditional stories • Develops creativity

5. Disadvantages: • Oral narratives may limit participation in shy students • Distraction may cause students to get off topic • EAL students may become discouraged if they are unable to speak or write the narrative

6. Implementation: • Create a positive environment • Give everyone equal opportunity • Treat each others narratives with respect • Respect students wishes regarding the audience for their narratives • Treat personal information as confidential

7. Assessment: • Asses directly on the purpose of the narrative • Avoid criticizing the content or meaning of the narrative • Never comment using simple words or generic phrases • Never let the technical aspects take away from the purpose of the narrative

8. Examples: Corresponding activities Types of narrative • Letter • Journals • Formal stories • Family stories • Talking circles • Auto biographical accounts • Reading a book • Beginning, middle, end worksheet • Mind map • Return letter • Matching order in a sequence • Prompt questions