As a Special Education Director, one of our primary goals is to equip our educators and therapists with the most effective tools and strategies to support the diverse learning needs of our students. A significant area of focus is the development of narrative skills, which are crucial for academic success and social interaction. In this regard, "Scamper Strategies: Fundamental Activities for Narrative Development" by Carol A. Esterreicher stands out as a valuable resource. This blog post aims to provide practitioners with insights on improving their skills by implementing the outcomes of the research presented in this book or by encouraging them to do further research.
Narrative skills encompass the ability to tell stories, understand the sequence of events, and grasp the nuances of language used in different contexts. These skills are foundational for reading comprehension, writing, and effective communication. For students with language impairments or learning disabilities, developing these skills can be particularly challenging, necessitating targeted intervention strategies.
"Scamper Strategies" offers a structured guide to enhancing narrative skills through imaginative story recreating applied to classic literature. This approach is not only innovative but also adaptable to a wide range of students, including those in grades 2-9. The strategies can be tailored for younger children, those with special needs, and even gifted students, making it a versatile tool in the hands of educators and therapists.
The book is divided into several key sections:
- A chart outlining the stages of narrative development and instructional applications within the classroom setting.
- Coloured pages that highlight the strategies in detail, accompanied by examples to illustrate their application.
- Discussion guides and story scaffolds for sixteen classic children's tales, designed to facilitate structured narrative development sessions.
- Reproducible materials to support lesson plans, allowing for easy implementation and customization.
One of the strengths of "Scamper Strategies" is its practicality. The discussion guides and lesson plans are clearly laid out, making it accessible for teachers with limited experience in teaching narrative development. Moreover, the program encourages higher-level thinking and expression, offering students the opportunity to take risks in developing their narrative skills in a supportive environment.
However, the initial impression of the book's comprehensive approach may seem overwhelming to some practitioners. It's important to emphasize that the investment in time to become familiar with the strategies is well worth the effort. Once mastered, these strategies can significantly impact students' narrative skills, fostering their academic and social growth.
For speech-language pathologists and special educators, "Scamper Strategies" serves as an excellent resource for consulting with classroom teachers on narrative development. Activities and materials can be extracted from the program for the teacher's use, promoting a collaborative approach to language intervention.
Incorporating "Scamper Strategies" into the curriculum requires commitment and creativity. Practitioners are encouraged to adapt the strategies to fit their unique teaching contexts and the specific needs of their students. Engaging with the material, experimenting with different approaches, and observing the outcomes are essential steps in leveraging this resource effectively.
To further enhance their skills, practitioners should consider engaging in professional development opportunities related to narrative development. Attending conferences, participating in webinars, and joining professional networks can provide additional insights and strategies for implementing narrative development interventions. Collaboration with colleagues and sharing experiences can also enrich one's understanding and application of "Scamper Strategies."
In conclusion, "Scamper Strategies: Fundamental Activities for Narrative Development" offers a comprehensive and adaptable framework for enhancing narrative skills among students with diverse learning needs. By embracing these strategies, educators and therapists can make a meaningful difference in their students' lives, helping them to achieve their full potential in both academic and social realms. For those interested in exploring this resource further and implementing its strategies in their practice, I highly recommend delving into the original research paper.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Scamper Strategies: Fundamental Activities for Narrative Development.
