Khimji, F. and Maunder, R. (2012) Mediational tools in story construction: an investigation of cultural influences on children’s narratives. Journal of Early Childhood Research. 10(3), pp. 294-308. 1476-718X.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Abstract: | In this article we investigate how the content of children’s stories can provide insight into their cultural contexts. Informed by sociocultural theory, we use children’s narrative as a methodological tool for understanding the role of cultural influences in their construction of personal experiences and imaginary events. Twelve children in a year one class (five–six years) participated in pairs in three storytelling activities designed to draw on both imaginary scenarios and real world experiences. First, a picture was used as a stimulus and children were asked to formulate a story about what was happening in the image. Second, children were read the first part of a story book, and then asked to explain how they thought the story would finish. Finally, children were asked to recount an experience about a holiday they had been on. Thematic analysis of the stories illustrated how children utilized meditational tools to construct their narratives. Children’s imaginary capabilities were closely entwined with their own personal experiences and developmental context and they drew on beliefs and practices that were culturally situated. As a result we suggest that incorporating storytelling activities into early years classrooms can enable educators to develop a closer understanding of pupils’ cultural development, and provide researchers with a valuable methodological resource for studying sociocultural perspectives. |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | cultural influences, sociocultural theory, story construction |
| Subjects: |
H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Women > HQ767 Children. Child development L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1139 Early childhood education L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1042 Storytelling |
| Creators: | Khimji, F and Maunder, Rachel |
| Publisher: | SAGE Publications |
| Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: |
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > School of Social Sciences (to 2016) University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Group > Social and Cultural Research in Psychology Group Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology Research Centres > Centre for Psychology and Social Sciences |
| Date: | October 2012 |
| Date Type: | Publication |
| Page Range: | pp. 294-308 |
| Journal or Publication Title: | Journal of Early Childhood Research |
| Volume: | 10 |
| Number: | 3 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1177/1476718X12443022 |
| ISSN: | 1476-718X |
| Status: | Published / Disseminated |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| URI: | http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/4448 |
Actions (login required)
 |
Edit Item |
Altmetric
Altmetric
Altmetric