The children were already in their middle childhood years when I implemented narration in our daily readings. Actually, they were already well on their way to writing short and simple compositions. I guess, there was not much struggle when they started writing their narration, the difficulty actually surfaced more at the start of oral narration. Or simply, in telling back what they have learned or remember. Obviously, the ideas and information they narrated back lack luster and need more polishing. So we really had to slow down on the writing part and go back a few steps to learn more skills with oral narration.

Oral narration is telling back a concept, story, book event or idea in his own words. The content and manner he narrates back can give you an idea how much the child has learned and understood. The information he tells back can now be considered his own.

The main focus of our oral narration involves a chapter per subject a day. We used books in Science, History, Historical Fiction and Biographies. I read each chapter for each book slowly and clearly. This was followed by some guide questions - or prompts -  which would facilitate and help the child tell back what is remembered and understood.  In our experience, as they get comfortable with narration, the more they can express concepts, details and discuss related ideas clearly.

We also have used narration to discuss events we have recently attended. It may be a field trip, a play, an art exhibit or nature walk. Since they have proven that they can muster a topic they have come across before, we have discarded the use of long tests and quizzes as a gauze to measure a child's comprehension on topics he had already learned. Narration exactly fits the bill.

Here are some examples of narration prompts

For readers/ fiction, chapter books

- what happened in the story.

- which part of the story that you like best and why.

- what happened chronologically.

- tell me all that you remember.

- tell me all  about the characters and which one do you like most? do you dislike most? and why?

For Science, Science experiments, Geography and History books

- explain the event, experiment , process, etc and why it happened. What is the cause and effect of such event?

- explain the concept, theory or principle and give an example.

- tell me who the persons, scientists, historical figures are in the story? what were their contribution and their influences? what were their beliefs and worldview?

- explain the geographical context using a map or atlas as you narrate what took place.

- explain the course of events using a timeline.

- describe anything you can remember

For actual events like field trip, plays, concert, travel, community service.

Field trips, travel, community service:

- what happened chronologically, geographically?

- what is the significance of the activity, place, event and why are we involved?

- tell me which part of the event you enjoyed the most? which part you enjoyed the least? why?

Plays, concerts, art exhibits:

- explain the plot of the play.

- describe the characters of the play you can remember and their roles.

- any historical significance of the event, play or exhibit? Explain.

- which artist to you like most. Describe his art.

- describe a painting you have seen in the exhibit and identify the artist.

- which musical performance do you enjoy best? How will you describe it in words?

Here are some oral narration links for you:

Narration Helps   an squidoo lens by Jimmie. Lots of links on narration on other CM blogs.

Oral Narration in the Home  a mom's blog entry on oral narration for her 8 and 5 year olds.

Ambleside Online Narration Discussion