Outdoor Play Learning Story Example
Penning down a good learning story can sometimes feel like trying to shear a sheep that doesn't want to be sheared. You know it needs to be done, and you've got the tools at your disposal, but the task just doesn't seem to get any easier.
Every Kiwi gal can relate to this, right? Whether you've actually tried your hand at sheep shearing or simply watched it at the A&P show, you know it's a tough job. Much like writing a learning story. You're faced with a wriggly, unpredictable entity (in this case, your story) and must find a way to make sense of it all, while keeping your cool.
But don't fret, dear teachers. Just as every sheep eventually gets shorn, every story too can be penned down - with a bit of patience, practice and the right guidance. And that's what I'm here to help you with.
Now, let's look at a simple example of a learning story, focusing on outdoor play. I promise it'll be less daunting than a woolly sheep.
Title: A Day in the Garden: Exploring Nature
Child: Sophie
Age: 4 years
Setting: Our kindergarten garden
Date: 20th February
Sophie, today you showed us your love for the outdoors. It was a sunny day, perfect for exploring our kindergarten garden. You were drawn to the colourful flowers that were in full bloom.
You noticed a butterfly perched on a bright red rose and watched it with wide-eyed wonder. You gently touched the petals of the flower, then traced the path of the butterfly as it flew from one flower to another.
You said, "Look, Miss Smith! The butterfly loves the flowers." You were curious and asked, "Why do butterflies like flowers?" I explained that butterflies drink nectar from flowers, which gives them energy. You seemed fascinated by this.
Later, you joined other children in the sandpit. You worked together to build a grand sandcastle, demonstrating your ability to share and cooperate. You also showed creativity in your design, adding seashells for decoration.
You, Sophie, are a curious explorer and a budding environmentalist. Today, you demonstrated an appreciation for nature, a curiosity to learn, and the ability to play and work cooperatively.
Now, let's break down the story:
- Title: A clear and simple title that sets the context is essential.
- Child and Age: These details help to personalize the story.
- Setting and Date: This helps to anchor the story in time and place.
- Observation: The main body of the story is where you describe what the child did, said, and showed. Be specific and use descriptive language to make the story come alive.
- Learning: This is where you interpret the child's actions and words, linking them to learning outcomes or areas of development.
Remember, the goal is to highlight the child's learning journey. Each learning story should be a celebration of the child's unique experiences and development.
Just like shearing a sheep, writing a learning story may seem daunting at first. But with practice, patience, and a bit of guidance, I promise it'll get easier. And the result will be worth it - a beautiful reflection of a child's learning journey.