A couple of years ago I was lucky enough to work with some fellow teachers on promoting learning stories in Primary Schools. My principal, Gary, is a strong believer in the power of learning stories.

Unfortunately, learning stories are something that can full off my radar at times and promoting learning stories with staff can be a challenge with our already jam-packed schedules.  I don't want to the straw that broke anyone's back!

This week I am preparing a presentation to our support staff on Learning Stories and encouraging them to use these with the students they work with. It's got me thinking about to explain really simply what learning stories are and how to write them without feeling overwhelmed.

Kate's words of wisdom about Learning Stories.

It's a story
Hence the name, a learning story is a story about a child's learning. It is a story that is written to them, So make it simple and personal.

A picture is worth a thousand words.
Photos are powerful. Include at least one if not more in every story. If you don't happen to take a photo in the moment you can always stage one. "Can you show me how you were working on your story so I can take a picture..."

Sooner rather than later
My aim is to complete a learning story and send it home as soon after the event as possible. It is after all, a celebration of a child learning and a form of feedback. I have been known to quickly jot down some notes on my Iphone as soon I see a learning story opportunity. Another way is to write the learning story with the child(ren) involved. It is about them so why not have them a part of the writing of one?

There is no rule on numbers
Learning stories are not just for individual children. They can be easily written for groups and even the whole class. The story itself can be the same and then personal comments specific to the individual can be added.

Learning stories for all
The beauty of a learning story is that everyone is worthy of having one written about them. Learning stories are about recognises successes big or small. It is simply about keeping your eyes open for moments of brilliance, for that particular child! Brilliance for some children might be making it to school on time, sharing a piece of equipment, being helpful, mastering a new maths strategy or going up a reading level.

Notice, recognise and respond
The first section is simply writing down what you noticed? Think in terms of writing a story with a beginning (setting the scene), middle (what happened) and an ending (rounding off). Then you want to recognise what has happened. Why was this an important moment? How does this link to our school values or the key competencies? Finally respond to what you saw, what might be the child(ren)'s next step? What would you like to see the child do in the future?

Include space for a comments
What better opportunity for student voice? After all the story is about them. After I have written their learning story I share it with them and ask them for their own opinion.
Child comment - How does the child feel about what you have noticed? What were they thinking during this time? What will they do in the future?
Learning Stories are a lovely way to share something positive with parents about their child and in return getting a positive response from them
Parent comment - You might like to prompt a comment by asking a question. “How do you feel about what ___ has done?” “Does ____ do this at home to?” The aim is for the comment to be positive!