Storytelling Ability Can Affect Reading Skills

According to research by the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, African-American boys in preschool who excel at storytelling may learn to read more quickly than their peers. Researcher Nicole Gardner-Neblett said the results were something of a surprise. Her previous research had found that strong oral narrative skills in preschool predicted better reading comprehension in elementary school for African-American children, though not for white, Hispanic or Asian children. This latest study was an attempt to find out more about that connection, especially as it demonstrated an area of academic strength for a group that is often considered at a disadvantage in school. Identifying strengths that could lead to success in reading is of particular importance, Gardner-Neblett said, because of the wide skill gap between African- American students and white students.

Gardner-Neblett, N. (2017). African-American boys who tell better stories as preschoolers may learn to read more quickly. North Carolina, Chapel Hill: Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute. http://hechingerreport.org/african-american-boys-tell-better-stories-preschoolers-may-learn-read-quickly/