Emergent Curriculum in Action Learning Story of the Year

A ‘Learning Story’ is a record of what an educator has seen a child (or group of children) doing in an Early Learning and Care service. Learning Stories allow us to document a child’s learning. They are a tool for tuning into the world of children in a deeper, more meaningful way as educators. Learning Stories are an opportunity to truly hear children, to listen, watch and see, in order to extend a child’s learning.

Learning Stories are an effective and inclusive way of documentation and assessment in early childhood settings that require knowledgeable educators who understand children’s learning. Carr & Lee (2012) believe that Learning Stories are powerful ways of documenting learning, using the reciprocal relationships between the child, people and the environment.

These narratives are observations of children’s participation in everyday activities, in everyday settings that demonstrate children’s growing identities, dispositions, thoughts, explorations and communications. This natural way of documenting children’s journeys, learning and development links strongly with the words, wonderings, questions and ideas from children. Early Childhood Ireland recognises these quality practices and is delighted to share these stories with our members through our Learning Story awards.