Reflections on the Wendy Lee – Power of Learning Stories Event

On Monday, October 14th, we had the privilege of gathering at Felton Institute in the Mission District for an inspiring evening with Wendy Lee from New Zealand, a global leader in Learning Stories. The event, hosted by EDvance College in partnership with Felton Institute's REACH team, was an opportunity for our community of educators, students, and alumni to engage in deep learning and reflection on early childhood education.

Wendy Lee, renowned for her pioneering work in Learning Stories, shared her expertise on how this approach encourages educators to focus on children’s strengths and capabilities. Drawing on her vast experience in New Zealand, Wendy led us in a thoughtful examination of how personal values and cultural biases can shape the way we observe and interpret children’s learning. She challenged us to rethink traditional observation methods and emphasized the critical role of language in shaping our perceptions of children’s development.

A key takeaway from Wendy’s teachings was the importance of shifting from a deficit-based mindset to a strengths-based approach in our observations. She reminded us that children bring incredible skills and perspectives into the classroom, and it is our role as educators to recognize and celebrate those strengths. Her insights sparked lively discussions, particularly around how we can apply these principles in diverse educational settings to support more equitable and inclusive teaching practices.

Special thanks go to Yohana I. Quiróz, Ed.D., for sponsoring and hosting this enriching event, and to Casey Federico for conceptualizing and facilitating the evening’s insightful conversations. The collaboration and dedication of our Student Success Team and the Felton Institute's REACH team were integral to making this event such a success.

We were especially inspired by the thoughtful participation of our students and alumni, who engaged Wendy with meaningful questions about implementing Learning Stories in their own practices. Their enthusiasm for continued professional growth reflects a deep commitment to advancing the field of early childhood education.

The evening with Wendy Lee not only provided valuable learning but also reinforced the power of reflective teaching and strengths-based observation. As we continue to foster a values-driven approach to education, we are reminded that seeing children through the lens of their potential can profoundly impact their growth and learning. Together, we are shaping a future in early childhood education that celebrates every child's unique strengths and contributions.