Learning Stories – Pre and Post Event Dialogue

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” use_custom_gutter=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” make_equal=”off” parallax_1=”off” parallax_method_1=”off” parallax_2=”off” parallax_method_2=”off” parallax_3=”off” parallax_method_3=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/EDS-photo.png” alt=”Children Playing Around A Desk. One of many banner photos used to promote the Hilltop Educator Institute” title_text=”Hilltop Educator Institute ” show_in_lightbox=”off” url=”hilltopcc.com/institute” url_new_window=”on” use_overlay=”off” animation=”off” sticky=”off” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” /][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]

 

 

“I’ve come to realise not only that a picture is worth a thousand words, as the far eastern expression goes, but that the picture created in the heart and mind of a person is worth ten thousand.” – Stephen R. Covey

 

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]

 

USING LEARNING STORIES FOR REFLECTION AND ASSESSMENT
Wendy Lee

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider admin_label=”Divider” color=”#ffffff” show_divider=”off” divider_style=”solid” divider_position=”top” hide_on_mobile=”on” height=”11″ /][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]

For some of us in the U.S., the way we think about children’s learning and the way we think about teaching has been stagnant for quite some time.  But half way around the world, on an island no bigger than the size of Oregon, there is a new curriculum in place.  One that is seen as an effective and practical means of assessing the richness of children’s learning in a diverse range of early childhood contexts.  “Learning Stories” as it is called in New Zealand, takes us from categorizing learning outcomes as fragmented physical, intellectual, emotional and social skills to a view of learning as learning dispositions and working theories that are nurtured in reciprocal and responsive relationships, alongside families and communities.

As a culture, we value children who are holistic and empowered both in reciprocal and responsive relationships.  And when families and the wider community are involved in the stories of their children’s lives, contributing to the exploration, communication, wellbeing and belonging of the children, we too are enriched.  This is why it is generally more interesting and engaging to read a story than an anecdotal or running record account.  And if you truly think about it in this way, what begins as assessment also becomes a literary artifact and a starting point for interesting conversation.

Creating a recognizable culture – in your classroom or school –  can engage people in your program.  People are drawn to the enthusiasm, passion and energy of others, and want to participate in an organization that promotes teacher innovation, persistence, and celebration.  Learning Stories help uncover those dispositions, and support children to thrive in a strong and positive culture of inquiry.  But as we all know, it can be tough to integrate all of your policies, regulations and philosophies into a coherent culture. So the question is…

What are some cultural influences that might be impacting our assessment models, and what do you notice about Learning Stories that might be tied to those cultural expectations?  For those who are already familiar with Learning Stories and have used them in your classrooms, what have they helped you discover about your students, and your own teaching?

In the spirit of dialogue, and practicing the Reggio Emilia value of “learning in relationship,” we invite you to delve into deeper thinking and conversation about this event by sharing your thoughts, questions, or comments below!

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button admin_label=”Button” button_url=”https://www.ecetrainers.com/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Can’t get enough? Visit Harvest Resouces for some additional resources! ” button_alignment=”center” background_layout=”light” custom_button=”on” button_letter_spacing=”0″ button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” button_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ button_text_size=”14″ button_text_size_last_edited=”off|” button_border_width=”1″ button_border_radius=”28″ /][et_pb_social_media_follow admin_label=”Social Media Follow” link_shape=”rounded_rectangle” background_layout=”light” url_new_window=”on” follow_button=”on”] [et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” url=”https://www.facebook.com/Hilltop-Childrens-Center-Seattle-73100851072/” skype_action=”call” bg_color=”#3b5998″] Facebook [/et_pb_social_media_follow_network] [/et_pb_social_media_follow][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_slider admin_label=”Slider” show_arrows=”on” show_pagination=”on” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” remove_inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off” custom_button=”off” button_letter_spacing=”0″ button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” button_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ auto=”off” auto_ignore_hover=”off” hide_content_on_mobile=”off” hide_cta_on_mobile=”off” show_image_video_mobile=”off”] [et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 1/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0089.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 2/32″ allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0088.jpg” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 3/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0087.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 4/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0086.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 5/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0085.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 6/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0084.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 7/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0083.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 8/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0082.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 9/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0081.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 10/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0080.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 11/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0079.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 12/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0078.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 13/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0074.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 14/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0072.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 15/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0071.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 16/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0069.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 17/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0067.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 18/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0066.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 19/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0068.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 20/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0065.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 21/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0064.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 22/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0063.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 23/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0062.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 24/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0061.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 25/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0056.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 26/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0070-1-e1494965712944.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 27/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0058-e1494969123363.jpg” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 28/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0059-e1494969087853.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 29/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0060-e1494968928643.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 30/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Wendy-Lee-1.png” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /][et_pb_slide image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/EDS-photo.png” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 31/32″ /][et_pb_slide heading=”Wendy Lee: Learning Stories 32/32″ image=”https://hilltopcc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0054-e1494964473540.jpg” allow_player_pause=”off” background_position=”default” background_size=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” text_border_radius=”3″ alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_font_select=”default” header_font=”||||” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” custom_button=”off” button_font_select=”default” button_font=”||||” button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” /] [/et_pb_slider][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_tabs admin_label=”Tabs” border_style=”solid” tab_letter_spacing=”4″ tab_font_size=”17″ background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” _builder_version=”3.0.49″] [et_pb_tab title=”Event Recap” tab_font_select=”default” tab_font=”||||” tab_line_height=”2em” tab_line_height_tablet=”2em” tab_line_height_phone=”2em” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” body_line_height=”2em” body_line_height_tablet=”2em” body_line_height_phone=”2em”]

On Saturday May 13th, New Zealand educator Wendy Lee presented to a packed house of approximately 80 attendees, as part of the Hilltop Educator Institute Discussion Series. Wendy is one of the co-creators of the Learning Stories model and philosophy, a part of New Zealand’s Te Whāriki framework, which is now in its 21st year.

Founded on the aspiration that children will “grow up as competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body, and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society,” Learning Stories are more than just a great story. They are a way to engage the family, make learning visible, strengthen relationships, contribute to accountability and most importantly, to help build the identity of the learner.

The full-day training, sponsored in part by Top Ten Toys and Educa e-portfolios, was kicked off with opening remarks made by several individuals including Julie Bisson, director of Epiphany Early Learning Preschool. Julie echoed comments made by organizers who emphasized the importance of partnerships, organization and collaboration in the early childhood field.  As attendees convened, they were greeted with breakfast of coffee and donuts, as well as a chance to participate in a drawing for an Amazon Fire Tablet, both sponsored by Educa.  Congratulations to the winner of the door prize, a participant from British Columbia, Canada.

As part of the visit, Hilltop Educator Institute also welcomed Annie White and Margie Carter, to help “translate” this New Zealand model into our American context, and to highlight the importance of growing a community of learners. All of the presenters spoke about “learning in relationship” as a way to create communities of practice that help us grow as teachers and as human beings, and avoid the usual disconnect between assessment and planning. “Relationships are at the heart of learning” Margie said. “If we believe that, but we tell teachers to focus on assessment, then we are out of sync with what we say. All learning happens in the context of relationships. We need to make sure our assessment doesn’t take away from that.”  Annie White, Professor of Early Childhood Studies at California State University, Channel Islands said, “We have a real issue in our context. There are challenges with collecting observations [including but not limited to] increased pressure to complete observations, the absence of family engagement, and [educators] looking for the measure of assessment instead of holistic observations.”

During the full day event, Wendy Lee helped participants to reimagine and rethink assessment. Leading us into the philosophy that underpins this pedagogical tool for documenting how learning identities are constructed from birth, Wendy reaffirmed why the early years are such a critical time in the formation of learning dispositions. Taking a “strengths-based” rather than a “deficit” approach to assessment, Learning Stories are rooted in the belief that children are coming in already competent and with their own understanding of the world and how it works. Thus, teaching and learning become a process of co-construction, in a reciprocal and responsible relationship. “Learning stories will communicate what you value,” Wendy went on to say. “At the heart of it are the relationships, because that’s what makes the difference.”

But learning stories are so much more than just “writing from the heart.” Learning Stories transform both parties, the children and the educators alike. The Learning Stories model forges a new pathway, shifting our culture and our environment, and allowing us to ride the wave of possibility to engage children and families, while also integrating required assessment indicators. Through this paradigm shift in culture, educators are now seen as more ethical and thoughtful researchers and commentators, as well as caring and competent practitioners. Learning Stories have the ability to show learning outcomes as dispositional and relational, rather than as unrelated measures.

We witnessed through the various accounts told throughout the day that we don’t have to be hijacked by assessment. The power of Learning Stories can be used to shift the lens in our practices, but it takes courage to do so. Learning Stories can change the future…so what steps will you take?

We invite you to go home and begin or continue to infuse Learning Stories into your own practice, but before you jump right into it, Annie suggests “Try learning stories on yourself before doing one on the children. Experience the power of telling your own story and see the way it captures your heart.”

[/et_pb_tab][et_pb_tab title=”Additional Resources” tab_font_select=”default” tab_font=”||||” tab_line_height=”2em” tab_line_height_tablet=”2em” tab_line_height_phone=”2em” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” body_line_height=”2em” body_line_height_tablet=”2em” body_line_height_phone=”2em”]

Wendy Lee’s Story Starters Guide
Wendy Lee, Director of the Educational Leadership Project, New Zealand, and co-author of books on both Te Whāriki and Learning Stories.

 Kei Tua o Te Pae
A collection of exemplars of Te Whāriki, including tons of Learning Stories

Hilltop CC
A collection of blogs written by Hilltop staff and educators spanning several issues pertaining to children today such as social justice, adult consistency, equity, theory, policy and practice to name a few!

New Zealand early education, and Learning Stories
Sarah Felstiner’s – Curriculum Director at Hilltop – blog posts

Educational Leadership Project
Wendy Lee’s organization

Tom Drummond
An emeritus educator of children and adults, Tom Drummond’s website is a resource for early childhood educators and families.

Margie Carter’s article about Learning Stories
An article written by Margie Carter, co-author of books on Learning Stories and Te Whāriki, with input from Hilltop Faculty and Staff

Harvest Resources
Early Childhood Education Training Books

 

[/et_pb_tab][et_pb_tab title=”What’s Next” tab_font_select=”default” tab_font=”||||” tab_line_height=”2em” tab_line_height_tablet=”2em” tab_line_height_phone=”2em” body_font_select=”default” body_font=”||||” body_line_height=”2em” body_line_height_tablet=”2em” body_line_height_phone=”2em” use_background_color_gradient=”off” background_color_gradient_start=”#2b87da” background_color_gradient_end=”#29c4a9″ background_color_gradient_type=”linear” background_color_gradient_direction=”180deg” background_color_gradient_direction_radial=”center” background_color_gradient_start_position=”0%” background_color_gradient_end_position=”100%” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” background_size=”cover” background_position=”center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend=”normal” allow_player_pause=”off”]

There’s ONLY one (1) more Discussion Series event this year!  

Shake, wiggle and roll with us on Thursday June 1st when Deb Curtis will be joining us to uncover the importance of the active body and brain connection.  Help us bring back the days when children had more access to things like playing football on the street or running around in the garden, without the concerns and attitudes that limit us today.

Active physical play for young children’s development is a vital and integral part of sensory motor development, and as important as sitting in the classroom for formal instruction, in building the neural pathways necessary for children to focus their eyes and attention. By attending our workshop here, you’ll assist in providing a childhood that your child deserves, while teaching them how to regulate their emotions, and develop the ability to plan and carry out a task!

Study Day!

Throughout the year, we often try to explore new ideas but sometimes fail at implementing them.  As the school year draws to an end, you might be wondering “what else can I do to support and extend children’s learning for next year?”

Join us for a full-day visit to Hilltop to see reflective practice and emergent curriculum in action, explore proven models and examples of ways to support this work in your own programs, and talk directly with educators from Hilltop’s classrooms who can discuss practical strategies for building curriculum from the interests and needs of the children and families in our schools.  Come with your thoughts, questions, comments and concerns and share in conversations with you, your team and others about ways to make these thoughts and strategies into a reality.  Catered lunch and 6 hours of Washington STARS hours are included.

This Study Day event is on Friday, June 9th, 2017.  Click here for more information!

Can’t make one of our scheduled Study Day events? Groups of 6-15 educators and/or administrators can request additional dates to coincide with their own professional development or in-service days. Multi-day events can also be scheduled for teams interested in taking an even deeper look at how to implement this work in their own setting, or for guests traveling from farther away.

[/et_pb_tab] [/et_pb_tabs][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” text_text_color=”#e02b20″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]

Did you have a chance to reflect more and would like to share it with the group?  We welcome your comments, your thoughts, and your reflections on the event.  Please feel free to comment below and share your insights with us!  If you wrote a learning story, please post it below!

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]