Crafting Learning Stories, An Easy Guide for Kiwi Teachers
Writing a good learning story can feel like trying to bake the perfect pavlova on a hot summer day. You've got all the ingredients lined up on your kitchen bench. You've got your recipe (the curriculum) within reach, but there's something about the process that leaves you feeling a bit flustered. You know a great pavlova should have a crispy shell and a soft, marshmallowy centre. Similarly, a good learning story should capture the child's interests, reveal their learning process and show their progress. But how do you make sure your learning story has that perfect balance? And how can you make it meaningful and engaging?
Don't worry, you're not alone. Just as there are many ways to whip up a pavlova, there are also many ways to craft a learning story. Like any good recipe, it's all about understanding the individual components and then putting them together in the right order.
Let's take it step by step, and soon you'll be crafting learning stories as easily as you whip up your favourite Kiwi dishes. Here's an example of a learning story to guide you.
Child's name: Noah
Date: 3rd February, 2022
Story: It was a sunny afternoon when Noah discovered the joy of jumping in puddles. After the rain had stopped, we ventured outside to explore. Noah was initially hesitant, unsure about the wet ground. But when I hopped into a puddle and the water splashed around, his eyes lit up with curiosity.
Noah took a cautious step towards the puddle. I encouraged him, saying "The puddles won't hurt you, Noah. They're just water." Following my lead, he took a deep breath and jumped into the puddle. The water splashed around him, and his initial surprise quickly turned into delight. For the rest of the afternoon, Noah spent his time jumping from one puddle to another, each jump braver and more enthusiastic than the last.
Interpretation: Noah's exploration of the puddles shows his growing confidence in trying new things. His initial hesitation was normal, but with a little encouragement, Noah was able to overcome his uncertainty and take a leap of faith. This small act of jumping in puddles signifies his readiness to take risks, explore his environment, and learn from his experiences.
Next steps: To nurture Noah's adventurous spirit and willingness to try new things, we can introduce more outdoor activities that challenge his physical abilities and encourage risk-taking in a safe environment. This might include climbing, balancing activities, or exploring different types of terrain.
The learning story above is simple yet effective. It captures an everyday moment (jumping in puddles), interprets it from a learning perspective (confidence, risk-taking), and suggests future learning opportunities (outdoor activities).
Firstly, we start with the story. It's a simple, everyday event, but it's written in a way that makes it interesting and engaging. It's not just about what Noah did, but also how he did it and how he felt.
The interpretation is where we connect the story to the learning. In this case, Noah's puddle-jumping adventure is seen as an example of his growing confidence and willingness to try new things. It's important to make these connections explicit, so that the learning becomes visible.
Finally, the next steps suggest how we can extend this learning in the future. These should be directly related to the learning observed in the story, and provide clear guidelines for what to do next.
Writing a learning story might not be as straightforward as whipping up a pavlova, but with practice, you'll find your own rhythm and style. Remember, the most important thing is to capture the child's learning in a way that is meaningful and engaging. And just like the perfect pavlova, a good learning story is all about finding the right balance. Happy writing!