To get started with Mana, begin by writing your first learning story. It will only take a few seconds with Mana's AI working as your aide!
There are two ways to create a Learning Story in Mana:
1. Within a Child’s Learning Journey
You can add a Learning Story under one of the stages in the child’s Learning Journey. This is ideal when you want to document the child’s progress as part of their cycle of planning. It allows you to reflect on and track the child's learning in alignment with your centre’s planning process.
2. In Docs
If you’re creating a one-off Learning Story that doesn’t need to be part of a specific planning cycle, you can do so directly in the Docs section. This is perfect for standalone learning stories that capture key moments or unique experiences.
1. Creating a Learning Story Within a Child’s Learning Journey
This method is ideal for adding a learning story as part of a child’s ongoing learning journey and planning cycle.
Let's get started writing a Learning Story:
Navigate to the Journeys feature.
Select an existing child profile or select "+ New child" to create a new child profile.
Select an existing Journey for the child or select "+ New journey" to start a new cycle of planning/ILP.
Select "+Doc" under the relevant Stage (e.g., Observe/ Implement/ etc.)
Click the button mentioning the document type, and from the options, select "Learning Story" (unless already set to Learning Story).
Start Recording (ensure you enable microphone access) or type in your notes and click submit.
You can select tone, choose length and adjust writing settings using the options just above the text box.
If there is insufficient information then a pop-up will arise prompting you to "Keep writing" more details or to "Get Help from Coach Sue" (AI practice & pedagogy coach) to help you gather more information.
If you select Coach Sue, she will ask you various questions and you can answer by typing into the message box and clicking the "arrow" button to send off.
Once the "Keep chatting to add depth" circle is filled a "Magic Create" button will appear. Now you can:
Select "Magic Create" to magically transform your notes into a learning story
Keep chatting with Sue to add more depth
Select "Insert Transcript" to enter your notes from the conversation into the text box and edit it if you wish before clicking "Magic Create".
*Copy your original text to another document here if you wish to refer to your original notes later.
Your chat with Sue (if you had one) will appear on the left and your generated document will appear on the right.
You may now review and edit the document by asking Sue or using Magic actions (round button on bottom right- click for options) such as Magic edit, translate, and change tone.
Quick tip: You can record a voice memo in any language that you feel comfortable in and it will translate your voice memo into English.
2. Creating a One-Off Letter or Diary in Docs
If you’re creating a standalone Learning Story that isn’t tied to a Learning Journey, use the Docs section.
From the Mana side panel, navigate to the Docs section.
Click the ‘+Doc’ button.
Select Learning Story, ,link child (optional) and click "Create Learning Story".
Follow above section 1 steps 6-13.
Don't forget to take a moment to review and tweak the Learning Story to make sure it’s just how you want it before sharing with families. You’ve got full control over how it’s presented!
Happy creating!