Crafting Captivating Learning Stories, A Mother's Day Special
Writing a good learning story can be as challenging as trying to bake the perfect Pavlova. We all know that feeling, don't we? The meringue mixture looking a picture of perfection in the bowl, but once in the oven, it either falls flat, cracks or turns into a chewy mass that's far from the light, crispy delight we envisioned. The recipe might be simple - just egg whites, caster sugar, vinegar, and a dash of vanilla essence - but getting it right requires patience, perseverance, and a keen eye for detail.
Similarly, when it comes to writing a learning story, the ingredients might seem simple at first glance - an observation, some analysis, and a further learning plan. Yet, it's the delicate balance of these components, the attention to detail, and the understanding of the child's learning journey that truly makes a learning story meaningful and engaging.
To help you craft the perfect learning story, let's work through an example together. This one is a Mother's Day special. Remember, the aim is not just to document what happened, but to capture the learning that took place.
Title: A Special Gift For Mum
Date: 10th May
Who: Little Sarah (4 years old)
Sarah spent the morning busily working on a special project. She was creating a beautiful card for her mum for Mother's Day. Sarah carefully chose her favourite coloured crayons - pink and purple, and began to draw.
Sarah's attention to detail was remarkable. She painstakingly drew a big heart in the middle of the card, filling it in with her favourite colours. Next, she decided to stick some glitter stars around the heart, making her card sparkle.
When Sarah was done, she looked at her card with a big smile. She said, "I made this for mum. She will love it because it's so pretty!"
What Learning Took Place:
Sarah demonstrated her fine motor skills by holding the crayons properly and controlling her hand movements to draw the heart and write. She also showed creativity in her choice of colours and decorations.
She exhibited emotional intelligence by thinking about her mum's feelings. She was able to predict that her mum would appreciate her efforts, showing empathy and understanding.
Next Steps:
To further develop Sarah's fine motor skills, provide more opportunities for drawing and crafts. Encourage her to experiment with different materials and techniques.
To deepen her understanding of other people's feelings, continue discussing emotions and reactions in different scenarios.
So, how does this learning story work?
Firstly, it's clear and detailed. It describes exactly what Sarah did and said, painting a vivid picture of the situation. This allows parents and other teachers to understand the context of the learning.
Secondly, it identifies the learning that took place. It doesn't just describe Sarah's actions, it interprets them. It shows that Sarah was not just making a card, she was developing important skills and demonstrating emotional intelligence.
Finally, it suggests next steps. It uses the learning story as a springboard for future learning, offering concrete suggestions for activities and discussions that can build on Sarah's current skills and interests.
Just like the perfect Pavlova, a great learning story is light, yet substantial. It's sweet, yet leaves you wanting more. And most importantly, it's made with love and care, just like Sarah's beautiful card for her mum.
With patience, practice, and a keen eye for the little details that make each child unique, you too can master the art of writing engaging learning stories. And remember, like a good Pavlova, it's all about finding that perfect balance. Happy writing!