A1 Journal article (refereed)
Using the Storytelling Method to Hear Children’s Perspectives and Promote Their Social-Emotional Competence (2020)

Koivula, M., Turja, L., & Laakso, M.-L. (2020). Using the Storytelling Method to Hear Children’s Perspectives and Promote Their Social-Emotional Competence. Journal of Early Intervention, 42(2), 163-181. https://doi.org/10.1177/1053815119880599

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Koivula, Merja; Turja, Leena; Laakso, Marja-Leena

Journal or series: Journal of Early Intervention

ISSN: 1053-8151

eISSN: 2154-3992

Publication year: 2020

Volume: 42

Issue number: 2

Pages range: 163-181

Publisher: Sage Publications

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1053815119880599

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/68922

Abstract

This study investigated the use of a playful, narrative, vignette-based method, called Story Magician’s Play Time (SMPT), in supporting children’s social-emotional reasoning and in helping children practice their social skills. We set out to examine (a) in what ways children use SMPT sessions to explore social interaction situations and to practice social skills, and (b) what story content and narrative play behavior during the SMPT sessions reveal about the social-emotional competence of children, in terms of acquisition and performance skills. The data were collected during SMPT storytelling sessions where 5- to 6-year-old children narrated stories of familiar but challenging daily situations and enacted their story in play. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results suggest that the children had knowledge of socially responsible behaviors, but that they also had difficulties executing these behaviors in play. SMPT enabled the children to participate, experiment, and reflect on the emotions and strategies needed for developing socially sustainable solutions.

Keywords: point of view; children (age groups); intervention; socio-emotional skills; social interaction; social skills; tales; narrativity

Free keywords: children’s perspective; intervention; social-emotional competence; storytelling

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2020

JUFO rating: 1