CONFERENCE ABSTRACTS

Presenter: Valerie Margrain

NARRATIVES FOR LEARNING: Capturing giftedness in learning stories to inform teaching

Learning Stories are a model of showing and making sense of learning using narrative and annotated photos (Carr, 2001). The model is now well-embedded in New Zealand early childhood practice through the support of Ministry of Education (2004) exemplars Kei Tua o te Pae and professional development. However, these nationally-provided exemplars do not include any specific recognition of giftedness.

My current research in four early childhood services includes gathering examples of learning stories of gifted children. It is expected that learning stories will be able to reflect a multicategorical definition of giftedness, including cultural and aesthetic dimensions of giftedness. Learning stories are also able to illustrate the application of the giftedness within the sociocultural contexts of the learner. The effectiveness of learning stories in facilitating planning and teaching for young gifted children is a deeper issue that will continue to be explored with participants. Examples of learning stories will be shared within the paper, with implications considered for early childhood and primary teachers, for educational leaders, for children and for parents.