Learning Story Examples – Templates, Writing Guide, EYLF

Learning story examples to inspire your writing

Use these short, strengths‑based examples to study structure, language, and EYLF links. Adapt ideas to your context, write in your own voice, and link 2–3 outcomes.

1) Water play — predicting and testing (example)

Observation: Timed the flow with a sand timer and predicted which tube would fill faster. Re‑tested and described what changed.
Learning analysis (EYLF 4,5): Inquiry, problem‑solving, comparing quantities; rich vocabulary to explain thinking.
Next steps: Add funnels/tubes with different diameters; introduce simple charts to record results.

2) Sandpit — designing a river system (example)

Observation: Negotiated roles to build channels and a lake, then adjusted the slope when water pooled.
Learning analysis (2,3,4): Collaboration, care for shared space, engineering thinking.
Next steps: Offer clipboards to sketch plans; add natural materials for bridges and dams.

3) Painting — mixing “stormy sky” colours (example)

Observation: Mixed colours to create “stormy sky” and named light vs dark shades.
Learning analysis (3,4,5): Aesthetic awareness, experimentation, descriptive language.
Next steps: Try monochrome painting; add paint sample cards to compare tones.

4) Dramatic play — café literacy (example)

Observation: Took orders, used marks to “write” names, greeted customers confidently.
Learning analysis (1,2,5): Identity/agency, social roles, early writing for purpose.
Next steps: Add menus with pictures and prices; invite children to design specials.

5) Playdough — shapes and stability (example)

Observation: Stacked triangles and tested stable bases — “it falls if tiny base!”.
Learning analysis (4,5): Spatial reasoning, cause/effect language, persistence.
Next steps: Offer cylinders/prisms to compare; photograph towers and label parts.

6) Friendship — sharing the crane (examples)

Observation: Offered the crane hook and said “your turn”, smiling together.
Learning analysis (2,3,5): Respectful relationships, self‑regulation, conversation skills.
Next steps: Co‑create a class book of “ways we help friends”.

7) Reading — retelling a favourite book (example)

Observation: Chose the book, pointed to pictures, retold key parts to a peer.
Learning analysis (3,5): Comprehension, sequencing, narrative language.
Next steps: Add puppets/props for role‑play retells; record audio of the child’s version.

8) Music and movement — keeping the beat (example)

Observation: Matched drum taps to a steady beat, then led the group to start/stop.
Learning analysis (3,4): Rhythm and coordination, leadership, attention control.
Next steps: Explore fast/slow tempo; graph “beat like my heart vs fast feet”.

9) Outdoor construction — bridge challenge (example)

Observation: Tested logs/planks to span the gap; adjusted when it wobbled.
Learning analysis (2,3,4): Risk assessment, teamwork, design iterations.
Next steps: Add rope/blocks for handrails; invite photos of real bridges.

10) Cooking — measuring for muffins (example)

Observation: Counted spoonfuls, levelled cups, compared “too much/just right”.
Learning analysis (3,4,5): Early numeracy, fine‑motor control, procedural language.
Next steps: Create a picture recipe; send home a family version to try.

Simple structure to follow

Context/Observation: …
Learning analysis (EYLF X,Y,Z): …
Next steps: …
Family prompt: “At home, you might… What did your child notice?”

Templates and downloads

Editable layouts to guide planning (single child, group, photo‑heavy) → Learning Story Templates
Tip: Export to PDF from your platform so families can save/print.

How to write (step‑by‑step)

Structure, tone, evidence, and outcome links with annotated examples → How to Write a Learning Story
Checklist: specific observation, 2–3 explicit EYLF links, actionable next steps, family prompt.

EYLF alignment at a glance

Outcome 1 (Identity): agency, confidence, belonging — e.g., dramatic play roles.
Outcome 2 (Community): relationships, respect, fairness — e.g., turn‑taking, helping.
Outcome 3 (Wellbeing): self‑care, persistence, coordination — e.g., music/movement.
Outcome 4 (Learning): inquiry, problem‑solving, creativity — e.g., water/sand engineering.
Outcome 5 (Communication): language, symbols, texts — e.g., retelling, mark‑making.
More prompts and mapped mini‑stories → EYLF Learning Stories

Tools and apps

Snapshot of platforms and AI features → Storypark Pricing and Alternatives

FAQs

How long should a learning story be? 1–3 focused paragraphs with clear analysis and next steps.
How many photos? 1–3 images with captions; prioritise evidence over volume.
How often should we write stories? Balance little‑and‑often with quality analysis across children.
Link more than one outcome? Yes — usually 2–3 with evidence in the observation.
Group or single child? Use group for shared experiences; single for depth and voice.
Can families contribute? Invite quotes/responses and reflect them in follow‑ups.

Learning story examples to inspire your writing

Use these short, strengths‑based examples to study structure, language, and EYLF links. Adapt ideas to your context, write in your own voice, and link 2–3 outcomes.

1) Water play — predicting and testing (example)

Observation: Timed the flow with a sand timer and predicted which tube would fill faster. Re‑tested and described what changed.
Learning analysis (EYLF 4,5): Inquiry, problem‑solving, comparing quantities; rich vocabulary to explain thinking.
Next steps: Add funnels/tubes with different diameters; introduce simple charts to record results.

2) Sandpit — designing a river system (example)

Observation: Negotiated roles to build channels and a lake, then adjusted the slope when water pooled.
Learning analysis (2,3,4): Collaboration, care for shared space, engineering thinking.
Next steps: Offer clipboards to sketch plans; add natural materials for bridges and dams.

3) Painting — mixing “stormy sky” colours (example)

Observation: Mixed colours to create “stormy sky” and named light vs dark shades.
Learning analysis (3,4,5): Aesthetic awareness, experimentation, descriptive language.
Next steps: Try monochrome painting; add paint sample cards to compare tones.

4) Dramatic play — café literacy (example)

Observation: Took orders, used marks to “write” names, greeted customers confidently.
Learning analysis (1,2,5): Identity/agency, social roles, early writing for purpose.
Next steps: Add menus with pictures and prices; invite children to design specials.

5) Playdough — shapes and stability (example)

Observation: Stacked triangles and tested stable bases — “it falls if tiny base!”.
Learning analysis (4,5): Spatial reasoning, cause/effect language, persistence.
Next steps: Offer cylinders/prisms to compare; photograph towers and label parts.

6) Friendship — sharing the crane (examples)

Observation: Offered the crane hook and said “your turn”, smiling together.
Learning analysis (2,3,5): Respectful relationships, self‑regulation, conversation skills.
Next steps: Co‑create a class book of “ways we help friends”.

7) Reading — retelling a favourite book (example)

Observation: Chose the book, pointed to pictures, retold key parts to a peer.
Learning analysis (3,5): Comprehension, sequencing, narrative language.
Next steps: Add puppets/props for role‑play retells; record audio of the child’s version.

8) Music and movement — keeping the beat (example)

Observation: Matched drum taps to a steady beat, then led the group to start/stop.
Learning analysis (3,4): Rhythm and coordination, leadership, attention control.
Next steps: Explore fast/slow tempo; graph “beat like my heart vs fast feet”.

9) Outdoor construction — bridge challenge (example)

Observation: Tested logs/planks to span the gap; adjusted when it wobbled.
Learning analysis (2,3,4): Risk assessment, teamwork, design iterations.
Next steps: Add rope/blocks for handrails; invite photos of real bridges.

10) Cooking — measuring for muffins (example)

Observation: Counted spoonfuls, levelled cups, compared “too much/just right”.
Learning analysis (3,4,5): Early numeracy, fine‑motor control, procedural language.
Next steps: Create a picture recipe; send home a family version to try.

Simple structure to follow

Context/Observation: …
Learning analysis (EYLF X,Y,Z): …
Next steps: …
Family prompt: “At home, you might… What did your child notice?”

Templates and downloads

Editable layouts to guide planning (single child, group, photo‑heavy) → Learning Story Templates
Tip: Export to PDF from your platform so families can save/print.

How to write (step‑by‑step)

Structure, tone, evidence, and outcome links with annotated examples → How to Write a Learning Story
Checklist: specific observation, 2–3 explicit EYLF links, actionable next steps, family prompt.

EYLF alignment at a glance

Outcome 1 (Identity): agency, confidence, belonging — e.g., dramatic play roles.
Outcome 2 (Community): relationships, respect, fairness — e.g., turn‑taking, helping.
Outcome 3 (Wellbeing): self‑care, persistence, coordination — e.g., music/movement.
Outcome 4 (Learning): inquiry, problem‑solving, creativity — e.g., water/sand engineering.
Outcome 5 (Communication): language, symbols, texts — e.g., retelling, mark‑making.
More prompts and mapped mini‑stories → EYLF Learning Stories

Tools and apps

Snapshot of platforms and AI features → Storypark Pricing and Alternatives

FAQs

How long should a learning story be? 1–3 focused paragraphs with clear analysis and next steps.
How many photos? 1–3 images with captions; prioritise evidence over volume.
How often should we write stories? Balance little‑and‑often with quality analysis across children.
Link more than one outcome? Yes — usually 2–3 with evidence in the observation.
Group or single child? Use group for shared experiences; single for depth and voice.
Can families contribute? Invite quotes/responses and reflect them in follow‑ups.

Learning story examples to inspire your writing

1) Water play — predicting and testing (example)

2) Sandpit — designing a river system (example)

3) Painting — mixing “stormy sky” colours (example)

4) Dramatic play — café literacy (example)

5) Playdough — shapes and stability (example)

6) Friendship — sharing the crane (examples)

7) Reading — retelling a favourite book (example)

8) Music and movement — keeping the beat (example)

9) Outdoor construction — bridge challenge (example)

10) Cooking — measuring for muffins (example)

Simple structure to follow

Templates and downloads

How to write (step‑by‑step)

EYLF alignment at a glance

Tools and apps

FAQs

Related links

Learning story examples to inspire your writing

1) Water play — predicting and testing (example)

2) Sandpit — designing a river system (example)

3) Painting — mixing “stormy sky” colours (example)

4) Dramatic play — café literacy (example)

5) Playdough — shapes and stability (example)

6) Friendship — sharing the crane (examples)

7) Reading — retelling a favourite book (example)

8) Music and movement — keeping the beat (example)

9) Outdoor construction — bridge challenge (example)

10) Cooking — measuring for muffins (example)

Simple structure to follow

Templates and downloads

How to write (step‑by‑step)

EYLF alignment at a glance

Tools and apps

FAQs

Related links