The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of props on children's narrative retells. Forty-two children in two comparable K/1 classrooms heard and practiced the same stories over eight weeks. This study found that the props had a positive effect on the children's use of descriptive language, but there was no effect on the number…

This paper presents an approach for preparing children to experience a theatrical performance, "theatre semiotics preparation." This programme introduces children to the specific elements of the theatrical performance (music, props, costumes, etc.). In the study we compare the efficacy of this new programme with that of traditional…

Investigates young children's opportunities to socially construct literacy during "story extension time." Finds that story extension time afforded the children with occasions to accomplish key purposes of literacy development and construct concepts about literacy. Notes children took the following identifiable stances toward the tasks:…