Narration Example: Re-enactment

Learn more about the art of narration! This post covers re-enactment as an example of narration, using a paper mache map & Play Mobil figures. This is a perfect way for a child who hates writing to express their understanding of a given topic.

What is Narration?

Narration, in its most basic form, tells a story or explains something. It is an essential element of all kinds of writing and an excellent skill to acquire. Narration can be both spoken or written and it has been around for centuries, with Aristotle calling it prothesis. The narrator is the one giving the narration. The narrative is the story being recounted. And the point of view is the perspective from which the story is be narrated.

Re-enactment as an Example of Narration

You can do a re-enactment in many different ways. We have used reader’s theatre, acted out a play, dressed up and given a presentation and using props such as the map below:

We made the above papier mache map, not to scale (measuring about 3 meters by 2 meters) whilst we were studying the Anglo-Saxons (see here for how).  However, I knew we would be using it for the Vikings, Middle Ages and very possibly beyond. It was, therefore, a good investment in terms of time and effort (it cost very little in money!).

Moreover, it was perfect for this simple narration activity of a re-enactment.

Using a Map as an Example of Narration

When we learnt about the Battle of Hastings we used the map as a tool for visually narrating the events leading up to 1066.  I collected a pile of knights in two different colours, some horses, boats and labels of all the areas we would be covering.  The children lay the map on the table.  I asked one child to narrate what happened after Harold was crowned the new King of England.  The other two had to then arrange all the props to show this pictorally.  They took it in turns narrating one scene at a time.

Narrations of the Events Leading up to the Battle of Hastings

Harold was informed of the imminent arrival of both Vikings on the North East coast and the Normans on the South coast. The wind stopped the Normans from sailing, but Hadrada and Tostig made good time to arrive first at Riccall

Thomas

Harold calls upon his Northern earls, Edwin and Morcar, to fight against Hadrada. Hardrada defeats the Anglo Saxons in the Battle of Fulford

Lillie

Harold takes the difficult decision to travel North to fight against Hadrada, leaving the South undefended

Charlotte

Harold defeats the Vikings at the Battle of Stamford Bridge and Hadrada dies

Thomas

A few viking ships are allowed to return home. Harold then hears of the Normans landing on the South coast, so he gathers his army and wearily marches back to London. He collects extra soldiers on his march back

Thomas

Once in London he holds a meeting, increases his army and decides to march to Hastings to surprise the Norman army

Lillie

The Anglo Saxon foot soldiers meet with the Norman army on the 14th October 1066 on Senlac Hill. The Normans have calvery which are knights on horses, which Harold does not

Charlotte

Harold is defeated at the Battle of Hastings and William becomes the King of England. He is known to all as William the Conqueror

Thomas

Making Notepages with Re-enactment and Narration

Because I like to record the children’s learning in the form of notepages, I took photos of the re-enactment to create some with. Next, I pasted the photos into a document and then I typed the narration underneath. Lastly, I photocopied it enough times so that each child could have their own copy:

All in all, a very effective way of narrating quite complex history!