The Place of Narrative in the Early Years Curriculum : How the Tale Unfolds

Narrative in the Early Years Curriculum offers a timely new perspective on the place of narrative in the early years curriculum. Applying the results of up-to-date psychological research to day-to-day practice in pre-schools, day nurseries, schools and out of school play care settings, the author help readers to understand just what it is that makes so many story books produced for pre-school children in recent years a success and what deeper purposes they serve. Offering helpful advice on what works, the book shows how good practice based on practical experience is underpinned and clarified by research findings. Furthermore, it illustrates that an understanding of the development of narrative competence can challenge current ideas on various areas of early years practice, including child protection, health and safety and the consultation of children. Book cover......Page 1 Half title......Page 2 Title......Page 4 Copyright......Page 5 Dedications......Page 6 Contents......Page 8 Acknowledgements......Page 10 Introduction......Page 12 1. Memory and narrative......Page 16 2. The development of narrative competence in young children......Page 26 3. The shape of narrative......Page 36 4. Children’s stories......Page 45 5. Narrative as a means of understanding......Page 58 6. The nature of narrative competence......Page 66 7. Presenting stories in settings......Page 73 8. Children as narrators......Page 86 9. Narrative and real events......Page 99 Conclusion......Page 111 Bibliography......Page 113 Index......Page 120 The Place of Narrative in the Early Years Curriculum argues that children's ability to understand stories should not be underestimated. Using the results of psychological research, the author clarifies exactly what we know about how children develop narrative competence in the first eight years of their lives. It shows how this body of research can help us to understand just what it is that makes so many story books produced for pre-school children in recent years a success, and what deeper purposes they serve While stories have a valuable role to play in children's development, their value can be diminished if educators are unaware of how and to what extent children can understand the stories to which they are exposed. This text looks at how children develop narrative competence in the first eight years of life Memory and narrative The development of narrative competence in young children The shape of narrative Childrens stories Narrative as a means of understanding The development of narrative competence Presenting stories in settings Children as narrators Narrative and real events.