At The Native School, we believe literacy is more than decoding words on a page — it is the art of making meaning. Children learn best when they are invited to speak, observe, wonder, and tell stories long before we expect them to write paragraphs or read fluently. One of the most powerful (and beautifully simple) practices we use in our nature-based classrooms is narration.
Narration is the practice of telling back what a child has seen, heard, read, or experienced — in their own words. It is a child-led approach that develops comprehension, vocabulary, sequencing, critical thinking, and confidence. And because it can be done anywhere, it pairs perfectly with our outdoor learning environment.
Below, we share how narration supports early literacy and how families can bring this gentle practice into their home and daily routines.
Why Narration Matters for Early Literacy
Narration builds foundational literacy skills in a way that feels organic and playful. When children tell a story from memory or describe what they see in nature, they are strengthening:
Comprehension
Narration requires children to process information, choose what details matter, and make sense of events in order. Even short retellings activate the same comprehension muscles they’ll later use while reading books.
Vocabulary & Language Development
Outdoor experiences give children rich, sensory language to work with: mossy, rough, fluttering, winding, sunlit, dripping. When children describe what they notice, their vocabulary naturally expands.
Sequencing & Story Structure
Telling a story from beginning to middle to end helps children internalize the structure of narrative — a critical skill for both reading and writing.
Attention & Observation Skills
Narration teaches children to notice. Whether they’re describing a bird’s call or recalling a story read during Morning Gather, they learn to pay attention to details in the world around them.
Confidence & Voice
Because narration is about their own words, children feel empowered. There is no pressure to be right — only to share what they think and see.
How We Use Narration Outdoors at The Native School
Nature Walk Retellings
During hikes and explorations, children pause to describe what they’ve noticed. These small moments strengthen memory and self-expression:
“What has changed since last week?”
“What happened on our walk so far?”
“Tell me about the creature we just saw.”
Storytelling Circles
After reading a book, teachers invite children to retell the story in their own words, sometimes using images, props, natural materials, or gestures.
Object Narration
A pinecone, feather, or shell becomes a storytelling prompt. Children narrate where it might have come from, what happened to it, or how it moves through the ecosystem.
Experience Narration
After climbing a tree, building a shelter, or cooking outdoors, children describe the process from start to finish. This builds procedural language and confidence.
Narration at Home: Simple Prompts for Families
Narration is wonderfully flexible and can be layered into everyday routines — no materials required. Here are a few gentle ways to begin:
After Reading Together
“Tell me what happened in this story.”
“What part do you remember most?”
“Can you tell this story using your own words?”
On a Nature Walk
“What do you notice right now?”
“Tell me the story of this leaf/rock/stick.”
“What do you think happened here?”
During Daily Life
“Can you tell me about your day from the beginning?”
“What did you build/play/learn today?”
“Explain how you made that!”
With Creative Play
“Tell me what your characters are doing.”
“What happened in your pretend world so far?”
“Can you narrate what your animals/figures are up to?”
Bedtime Retell
Invite your child to narrate the highlights of their day or retell a favorite bedtime story — a calming ritual that builds memory and connection.
Tips for Successful Narration
Keep it pressure-free — narration is about expression, not perfection.
Allow pauses — silence gives children space to think.
Model narration yourself occasionally (“Here’s what I noticed today…”)
Don’t interrupt or correct; let their thoughts unfold naturally.
Keep it short — one or two sentences is enough for young children.
Celebrate effort — “I love hearing your ideas.”
A Path Toward Lifelong Literacy
Narration nurtures children who are observant, thoughtful, expressive, and confident — the foundation of strong readers and storytellers. By bringing storytelling outdoors, we tap into children’s natural curiosity and help them form deep connections between language and the living world.
Every leaf, every shadow, every squirrel chase becomes a story waiting to be told.