By listening to, observing, and recording children’s explorations, participants will learn how to send children a clear message that they value their ideas and thinking.

Participants will learn that, through Learning stories, the child has an opportunity to reflect on their own thinking and learning.

Through Learning Stories, participants will have a clear understanding that parents and teachers learn more about their child and/or their group of children, child development in general, and how children learn.

Participants will discover that the stories provide insight into the best way to plan for a more meaningful curriculum and for parents a more meaningful experience.

Participants will discover that the stories become part of the child’s portfolio and capture moments in the child’s daily life that will create a comprehensive profile of a particular child.

Participants will ascertain that Learning Stories provide information about children’s strengths in a friendly, authentic format that informs how children learn through play.

Participants will learn that Learning Stories spotlight how children are natural learners, eager investigators, and problem solvers.

I attended a week-long study tour in New Zealand hosted by Margie Carter of Harvest Resources and was introduced to Learning Stories and The Te Whariki Early Childhood Curriculum. Learning Stories are a powerful, authentic form of assessment in New Zealand created by Margaret Carr and Wendy Lee. Through my own implementation of Learning Stories, I have discovered that they are a powerful tool to develop relationships between children and their families, teachers and children, parents and their own children, and teachers and other teachers. Learning Stories allow families to be a part of the documentation and assessment process.

This training is a 2-hour class.