Unfolding Learning through Play, A Doll Play Learning Story Example
Writing a good learning story can often feel like a daunting task. It requires the delicacy of weaving a child's actions, words, and expressions into a story that not only captures the essence of their experience but also highlights their learning and development. I've been in those shoes, trying to crack the code of writing a compelling learning story that is both authentic to the child's experience and insightful for parents and educators. It's a challenge indeed, but it's also a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the marvels of children's learning.
Through my experience as an early childhood teacher in New Zealand, I've come to appreciate the beauty of learning stories and the transformative impact they can have on children's learning journey. So, today, I thought it would be helpful to share an example of a learning story based on a topic that is close to many children's hearts - doll play.
A Day at the Doll House
On a sunny Monday morning, little Lily walked into our classroom with a bright smile on her face. She headed straight to the doll house, her favourite corner of the room. Her excitement was contagious as she invited her friends, Tom and Mia, to join her in her play.
As the morning proceeded, the doll house came alive with their imagination. They took on roles of a family, with Lily being the mum, Tom the dad, and Mia their baby. Together, they created a world where they fed, bathed, and cared for their baby.
Lily took the lead, guiding her friends on how to care for their baby. She demonstrated how to hold the baby gently, feed her, and put her to bed. It was fascinating to see how Lily mirrored the care and affection she received at home.
Her friends followed her lead, learning from her actions. They took turns in taking care of their baby, showing empathy and understanding. They negotiated roles, solved problems, and worked together, displaying teamwork and cooperation.
As their teacher, it was heartwarming to see them immersed in their play, exploring different roles, and expressing their thoughts and feelings freely. This play not only offered them a platform to make sense of the world around them but also helped them develop social and emotional skills.
Let's break this story down a bit.
The story begins by setting the context - a regular day at the school, highlighting Lily's enthusiasm for doll play. It then moves on to describe the children's engagement in their play, the roles they assumed, and the activities they performed. This forms the narrative of the story, providing an engaging and relatable account of the children's experience.
The story also draws attention to the learning happening within their play. It highlights how Lily demonstrated care and affection, mirroring her experiences at home. It also points out the development of social skills like empathy, cooperation, and problem-solving among the children.
Finally, the story reflects the teacher's perspective, offering insights into the significance of the play for children's learning and development. It underscores the role of play in children's understanding of the world and their development of social and emotional skills.
So, here we have it, a learning story that is not just a document of children's actions but a celebration of their learning journey. It's a testament to the power of play and the myriad ways children learn through their everyday experiences.
Remember, writing a learning story is not about showcasing our creativity or writing prowess. It's about capturing the child's learning journey in a way that is true to their experience and meaningful for their development. So, next time you find yourself in front of a blank page, take a deep breath, remember Lily, Tom, and Mia, and let the magic unfold.