Foundations Spotlight: Narration
From the Alveary Team
Have you ever asked your student to tell back what they just heard and been met with a blank stare? You are not alone! Narration may sound simple, but it takes practice, patience, and a little encouragement. The good news is that it is a skill that grows. This month we are spotlighting the Narration section of our Foundations course, where you will find help for every stage of the journey.
"One thing at any rate we know with certainty, that no teaching, no information becomes knowledge to any of us until the individual mind has acted upon it, translated it, transformed, absorbed it, to reappear, like our bodily food, in forms of vitality." (A Philosophy of Education, p. 240)
Be sure to watch: Narration as Storytelling (20 min) - Dr. Shannon Whiteside shares insights from her case study of a 5th grade classroom and their oral narrations in history class. She explains how narration is not simply a reading comprehension activity, but a practice that allows students to display originality, creativity, and the art of storytelling.
This section also includes:
- An introduction to narration with Dr. Carroll Smith on why Mason used it as the primary mode of learning, with guidance for beginners and ideas for those already familiar with it.
- Tips for beginning oral narration and written narration, including how to support students as they make the transition.
- Ideas for expanding narration, from diary entries and comic strips to poems and news reports.
- A balanced approach to spelling and grammar in written narrations.
- Videos on how narration changes across the grades, an immersion lesson with Nancy Kelly, and answers to eight common questions.
- Reflection questions, Mason's own words, and a further reading list, including Narration and Retelling by Dr. Shannon R. Whiteside.
We hope this section gives you fresh confidence and encouragement as you listen to your students tell back what they have learned. Head over to the Alveary Foundations Course to check it out!
SPOTLIGHT: Congratulations toTiana P., this week’s $50 Amazon gift card winner! Our Member Survey closes this week! We’re reading every response, and your feedback really does help us understand what’s working, where you need support, and what you’d like to see from Alveary. If you haven’t taken it yet, we’d love to hear from you. Take the Member Survey →
NOTES:
- Growing Independent Learners: Before we gather to talk about growing independence in lessons, take a few minutes to read the article linked in the event. What stands out? What do you want to talk through together? November 5 | 8 PM Eastern
- From the Hive: From the Hive: One first-year Alveary member shared how much her boys are loving Sloyd. What are your students enjoying most this term? Come share with us in the Hive!
- CMI Natural History Clubs: Explore nature monthly with our easy, open-and-go Natural History Guides, perfect for families and communities! Shop here.
Have a wonderful weekend!
