Introducing Charlotte Mason's use of narration

This article makes the claim that as public policy is made about very young children particularly in an educational setting, oracy needs to be strongly considered because of the implications it has on future reading development. The author reviews some of the research literature on oral language development and its impact on reading in school. Following this review and after making a connection among intellect, language and environment the British educationalist Charlotte Mason is introduced. Reviewing narration as an instructional strategy, the author explores the usefulness of narration and its effects on learning. Brown and Cambourne claim that narrating has many advantages for the learner. After discussing these advantages the author suggest ways to disseminate knowledge of the research on oral language and narration to those who work with our very young children.