How to Meet ACARA 9.0 and EYLF Outcomes with 'Willow the Wonderer' Mentor Texts
- Reeta Dhar
- Feb 20
- 3 min read
The 'Aha!' Moment: Discovering Curriculum Alignment
We knew Willow the Wonderer were good books, but what we had not realised (until last week) was that it was aligned to the Australian education curriculum (ACARA Version 9.0), including the early years learning framework (EYLF V2.0)!
The books beautifully bridge the gap between storytelling and measurable educational outcomes. Maybe that's why so many teachers have not only bought the books, but returned to leave five star reviews.
Framework / Capability | Willow the Wonderer Alignment | Classroom Application |
EYLF V2.0 Outcome 3 | Children have a strong sense of wellbeing. | Using Honey Time for self-regulation. |
ACARA Literacy (P1a-P1b) | Phonological Awareness. | Using rhythmic verse to identify rime and onset. |
ACARA Personal & Social | Self-awareness & Management. | Using Inner Worlds for cognitive reframing. |
STEM / Science (F-2) | Biological & Space Sciences. | Using Space Odyssey for astronomy inquiry. |
Better late than never: We have now mapped each of the 'Willow the Wonderer' books to the Australian Curriculum (ACARA Version 9.0) and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF V2.0) — See the next section or view it on our schools and educators site.
Mapping Wisdom to the Australian Curriculum (Foundation – Year 2)
This is an illustrative guide, designed to assist teachers and educators in Foundation (Prep/Kindy) through Year 2 in meeting Personal and Social Capability (or Social-Emotional Learning ), Literacy, and STEM outcomes. As a bonus, all books are written in rhythmic verse, supporting the Phonological Awareness sub-element of the Literacy General Capability as well.
Book 1: Willow the Wonderer (Inner Happiness)
Focus: Inner Happiness, Phonics & Numeracy.
ACARA English (Foundation): 'Identify and describe emotional responses people may experience in different situations' (AC9HPFP03).
ACARA Maths (Foundation): 'Connect number names and numerals to quantities, initially up to 10 and then beyond' (AC9MF01).
EYLF Outcome 4: Children develop a range of skills and processes such as problem-solving, inquiry, and experimentation (via the seek-and-find counting game).
Book 2: Willow the Wonderer—Honey Time (Slowing Down)
Focus: Mindfulness & Phonics.
ACARA Health (Year 1): 'Practise strategies to manage emotions' (AC9HP1P06).
ACARA English (Foundation/Year 1): 'Identify and use rhyme and alliteration' (AC9E1LA02).
EYLF Outcome 3: Children become strong in their social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing as they learn to self-regulate.
Book 3: Willow the Wonderer—Space Odyssey (Belonging)
Focus: STEM (Astronomy) & Interconnectedness.
ACARA Science (Year 1): 'Observable changes occur in the sky and landscape' (AC9S1U02).
ACARA Health (Year 2): 'Explain how personal qualities contribute to identities' (AC9HP2P01) (Reflecting on the 'Overview Effect' and finding where we fit).
EYLF Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world (Understanding the fragility and beauty of Earth).
Book 4: Willow the Wonderer—The Gift (Resilience)
Focus: Figurative Language & Grit.
ACARA Health (Year 2): 'Investigate how success, challenge, setbacks and failure strengthen resilience' (AC9HP4P01).
ACARA English (Year 2): 'Identify and explain how figurative language (similes, metaphors) creates imagery' (AC9E2LA06).
EYLF Outcome 1: Children develop knowledgeable, confident self-identities through overcoming fear.
Book 5: Willow the Wonderer—Inner Worlds (Metacognition)
Focus: Cognitive Reframing & Mental Health.
ACARA Health (Year 3/4): 'Explain how and why emotional responses can vary and practise strategies to manage their emotions' (AC9HP4P06).
ACARA English (Year 2/3): Understanding how texts represent different points of view and internal thoughts.
EYLF Outcome 3: Children develop increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing (The 'antidote' of gratitude).
Beyond 'Preaching': The story-first approach to inquiry
Willow the Wonderer is uniquely effective in classrooms as well as homeschooling because it utilises a story-first approach that invites inquiry and discovery, rather than preaching themes to children.
Willow the Wonderer doesn't 'tell' kids to be resilient; it invites them to discover resilience alongside Willow. This supports Inquiry-based learning, a major pillar of modern Australian pedagogy.
If you are looking for great storybooks to add to the home or school library that supports education and emotional growth of children, give Willow the Wonderer series ago. Based on over 450 reviews we have received, you won't be disappointed either!
Add Willow the Wonderer books to your collection today.
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