Learning Stories
One of our key forms of assessment and reporting at Te Manawa ō Pāpāmoa is based around the use of Learning Stories.
What are Learning Stories?
Learning stories are an opportunity for our kaiako (teachers) to notice, acknowledge and document the learning in action for kaimanawa that is observed at different times within the learning environment. They are personal narratives about how your child growth across the New Zealand Curriculum and in our kura values - Manawatanga. You may be familiar with learning stories from your child’s time at an early childhood centre.
What is in a Learning Story?
Our main focus within learning stories is around Manawatanga - capturing evidence of these learning values/ behaviours in action. Learning stories may also reference other parts of the curriculum including; core learning areas (reading, writing, maths), science, etc.
Our learning stories are strength based - what children can do. All of our kaimanawa have strengths, passions and interests and it’s our job as kaiako to help bring these to light and to notice them. This fits with our ‘one size fits one’ approach and our school vision of ‘Ignite, Navigate, Thrive.’
Our learning stories will usually include a next step, which is an opportunity for kaimanawa to take their learning even further - this is usually through a question or challenge.
When will they be used?
Kaiako upload learning stories into Hero to share with you throughout the year. You can find these by ‘clicking’ on your child within Hero - learning stories should appear in time order from oldest to most recent.
How can whānau contribute to Learning Stories and enhance your childs mana?
Our kaiako put a lot of time and thought into the writing of learning stories and over time these will become a real taonga (treasure) for your child and whānau. As a parent/ caregiver we really appreciate you taking time to read these learning stories alongside your child and have a conversation about what has been written. Leaving a comment, statement or question for your kaimanawa/ kaiako is greatly appreciated also. This way we can be sure you have read the learning story.
Possible comments/ statements/ questions to post as a parent/ caregiver in response to a learning story for your child:
We have also noticed you showing Manawa ________ at home when you….
You have also shown an interest in this at home by…
I really like the way you have…
We feel very proud of you because…
We could find out more about this at home by….
A really good next step for you could be to…