What students' narratives tell us: formal and informal stories told in one third grade classroom
Loading...
Authors
Mashinini-Nigl, Siphiwe N.
Issue Date
2003
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Teaching
Alternative Title
Abstract
This paper is about the stories that students share at school, specifically the roles that informal stories may play. Within the realms of daily curriculum, and within classroom structured time, students share their stories in formal school events. Classroom storytelling is used to achieve specifically academic goals in literacy, among other areas. Even Sharing Time, when students can share stories about topics of their own choosing is still controlled by institutionalized goals of language and school expectations.
However students also find other opportunities to tell stories. Many are shared spontaneously throughout the school day outside formal school events.
The current literature describes formal storytelling and its function or value to students and teachers. However, informal storytelling has value as well.
This study examines informal storytelling, as it differs from formal storytelling with regard to who tells the story, where they tell the story and what the story is about. It suggests that, in addition to assuring boys their opportunities during Sharing Time special attention must be given to opportunities for girls to share stories informally. Also, that informal stories allow students to express concerns that may not fit into structured classroom storytelling.