| Sumario: | A study was conducted to investigate differences between sibling-toddler interaction and adult-toddler interactions, with specific reference to past and fantasy narratives. Data were obtained from 14 African-American families from the South who were observed between 1987 and 1991. Findings revealed that oral narrative is common in the talk of two- and three-year-olds, making up as much as 25 percent of all conversation. It was found that siblings took part in almost 33 percent of narrative episodes and that, in general, two- and three-year-olds seemed to appreciate the companionship of their peers. Indeed, by the age of three, children appeared able to collaborate effectively with their older siblings in moving a story line forward. The early oral narratives of children represent the beginning of the journey toward literacy, and findings suggested that teachers should take time to understand the already established interaction patterns for telling stories that children bring with them to school. Findings are discussed in detail.
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