Learning
Story
I chose to include this learning story about Alpine because it demonstrates how I observe, interpret, and extend children’s interests in authentic and meaningful ways. In this play-based experience, Alpine’s excitement for connecting coloured linking cubes revealed his strengths in colour recognition, counting, and fine motor development. By attentively listening to his cues and celebrating his discoveries, I was able to support his learning while honouring his curiosity and confidence, even as he navigated English as his second language.
This story reflects my philosophy that families and educators work together like co-learners, nurturing children with the values and support they carry from home. It also aligns with Emergent Curriculum, where children’s interests guide the learning process and inspire future possibilities. Including this highlights my commitment to creating responsive, child-centred experiences that allow children to explore, grow, and express their full potential.
Name: "Alpine" Date of Observation: July 18, 2026
Date of Birth: April 15, 2020 Observer: Assumption Marie Dumalanta
Setting: Toddler Developmental Area: Physical
"Alpine", when you entered my homeschool, you immediately asked me, "Can I play?" and I answered, "Of course". You went directly to the shelves and pulled out the box of coloured linking cubes while looking and smiling at me.
You started telling me the different colours of the linking cubes and almost shot because of excitement. "Red! Yellow! Green! Blue! Purple! Orange!" I am so happy, Alpine that you wanted to learn while playing and identifying the colours despite English being your second language. Afterward, you picked up the green and yellow linking cubes out of the box, spread them on the table, and connected them. You knew what you were doing because you could find the hole and head and then joined the linking cubes accurately.
Another thing that impressed me was counting on them. Using your right index finger, you pointed to each linking cube and started uttering "1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10". You looked at me and smiled again. I praised you with happiness by saying, "Good job, Alpine! Do you want to do other colours?" and you answered, "Yes." So, you connected other linking cubes by a certain color. It was a delight to see you play and learn while enjoying it.
What does this say about this child?
"Alpine", you did great in your play-learning experience because of the different activities you incorporated. You wonderfully developed the fine motor skills you showed during this activity because you patiently connected the linking cubes with their colour. You found ways to connect with them. And of course, by using this tool, you were smart to integrate counting and color identification in this experience. "Alpine", the fine motor-tool use skill and patience you displayed in this activity, will help you a lot when you move to senior kindergarten.
Opportunities and possibilities
"Alpine", your fascination with colours has resulted in more activities. Joy and I would like to keep supporting your interest in linking cubes and colours. I wonder if you can make an artwork using paint, clay, or crayons with your mom and Dad? Also, I opt if you can build something out of the linking cubes at our next meeting. I am sure you can come up with an amazing and colourful artwork or creation.
"Alpine" gets fascinated with linking cubes
