What is a key reason for encouraging children to retell stories in their own words?

Encouraging children to retell stories in their own words is vital for fostering narrative comprehension and expression. When children narrate a story they've heard, they demonstrate their understanding of the plot, characters, and sequence of events. This practice helps them clarify their thoughts and make connections between the story elements. It also encourages expressive language skills, as they learn to articulate their interpretations and engage creatively with the material. By doing this, children not only reinforce their comprehension but also develop critical thinking and communication skills, which are essential for their overall literacy development. This process is much more focused on their ability to engage with the content meaningfully than merely memorizing or regurgitating details.