Start with the moment
Notice the child’s action, language, strategy, relationship, or working theory first. Curriculum language should clarify what mattered in the moment rather than replace the observation.
Educator guide · Aotearoa
Link Te Whāriki learning outcomes to evidence, not labels.
The five strands organise broad areas of learning and development. Learning outcomes sit within those strands and encompass knowledge, skills, attitudes, and dispositions that develop over time.
Reviewed 14 June 2026 · StoryLoop educator practice team
Name strand and outcome idea
A natural link names the relevant strand, then explains the outcome idea and the evidence. For example, testing and adjusting an idea can connect with Mana aotūroa | Exploration and reasoning or problem solving.
Keep assessment formative
Assessment becomes useful when it helps kaiako respond. Practical next steps can include revisiting an interest, changing resources, inviting whānau knowledge, or noticing how a working theory develops.
Official references
These sources inform this guide. StoryLoop is independent and does not claim endorsement.
FAQ
Straight answers for educators.
Are Exploration and Communication learning outcomes?+
They are English names for Te Whāriki strands. Each strand contains broader learning outcomes that describe valued learning developing over time.
Where does Kōwhiti Whakapae fit?+
Kōwhiti Whakapae supports planning, formative assessment, and teaching practice within Te Whāriki in social and emotional learning, oral language and literacy, and maths.
Does StoryLoop replace educator thinking?+
No. StoryLoop supports drafting and structure, while educators remain responsible for observation, interpretation, reflection, final editing, and sign-off.
Can I edit the generated stories?+
Yes. Stories are editable after generation and saved in history, so educators can add context, adjust wording, copy, export, or regenerate from the original observation.
Does it create generic AI stories?+
StoryLoop is designed to avoid generic, poetic AI wording. It asks for real observations, keeps claims evidence-based, and links curriculum only when the observation supports it.
How many stories are free?+
The free plan includes 3 learning stories per month. Upgrade prompts are dismissible, and existing history remains available even if the free limit is reached.