The Power of Narrative in Early Childhood

Across millennia, humans have told stories to entertain, to share information, and pass on cultures and traditions. Stories are so integral in our lives that their significance can go unrecognised. This book examines the role of narrative in human experience and emphasises its profound impact for young children.

Building on work of seminal theorists, the volume looks beyond the stories young children encounter in books and explores narrative in many rich and vibrant forms in different contexts. Contributions from international researchers and authors, whose work has advanced understandings of narrative and its influence on children and society, are included. It invites the reader to consider:

• What can be learnt about children when we closely observe their narrative play.
• The kinds of narratives children construct.
• The diverse ways narrative emerges in children’s play, drawing and emergent writing.
• The role of objects and materials in children’s narratives.
• The ways narrative is stimulated by and imbued with the senses.
• The significance of the moving, feeling, sensing body in narrative play.
• The role of narrative in promoting social justice and wellbeing.

This is a definitive reference work for all practitioners, teachers, researchers and students interested in the power of story and narrative in early childhood education.