ERIC Number: EJ1251950
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Apr
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0161-1461
EISSN: N/A
Examination of Narrative Language at Microstructural and Macrostructural Levels in Spanish-Speaking Preschoolers
Orizaba, Lorena; Gorman, Brenda K.; Fiestas, Christine E.; Bingham, Gary E.; Terry, Nicole Patton
Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, v51 n2 p428-440 Apr 2020
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine narrative language samples of Spanish-speaking preschoolers to analyze changes in microstructural and macrostructural skills in their first language (L1) from fall to spring, relationships between narrative and vocabulary skills in L1, and the extent to which fall skills predict spring performance. Method: Participants included 40 Spanish-speaking children who were enrolled in community-based preschool programs. Narrative language retells from the fall and spring were examined, and microstructural and macrostructural components were analyzed using the Narrative Assessment Protocol--Spanish and the Narrative Scoring Scheme, respectively. Participants also completed an assessment of expressive vocabulary in Spanish. Results: The results indicated different degrees of change in microstructural and macrostructural elements, change from fall to spring in some but not all elements measured, shifting patterns of association between L1 vocabulary and narrative skills, and variable prediction of spring scores. Conclusion: Results from this study enhance professionals' understanding of Spanish-speaking preschoolers' narrative language skills in L1 and considerations for assessing and monitoring progress at different points in the academic year.
Descriptors: Spanish Speaking, Preschool Children, Preschool Education, Native Language, Vocabulary Skills, Community Programs, Language Acquisition, Correlation, Prediction, Spanish, Scoring, Expressive Language, Language Tests, Narration
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. 2200 Research Blvd #250, Rockville, MD 20850. Tel: 301-296-5700; Fax: 301-296-8580; e-mail: lshss@asha.org; Web site: http://lshss.pubs.asha.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A