Why is it beneficial for students to engage in partnered oral retelling of stories?

Engaging in partnered oral retelling of stories significantly enhances students' understanding and retention of the narrative. When students retell a story together, they are actively processing the information, reconstructing the plot, and clarifying the details. This collaborative effort requires them to think critically about the story elements—such as characters, setting, and key events—and articulate these aspects in their own words.

Through this process, they not only reinforce their comprehension of the narrative but also deepen their engagement with the text. The dialogue between partners allows for immediate feedback, encourages the exploration of different perspectives, and fosters a stronger connection to the material, thereby solidifying their overall retention. This method transforms storytelling from a passive listening experience into an interactive and meaningful learning activity, which is essential for developing strong reading and comprehension skills.