In the Spirit Wood: Inclusive Digital Learning Resource

Here at Loughborough University, we are proud to be a legacy learning partner for Spirit of 2012, focusing on innovative uses of its evidence bank and creative communication tools to improve perceptions including self-perceptions of disability and impairment. Using early years education as a case study, the In the Spirit Wood: Inclusive Digital Learning Resource is a practical exploration of how storytelling and events can drive inclusive change.

Underpinning considerations and approach  

The starting point of the digital learning resource was the Spirit of 2012 Theory of Change and belief that enabling people to participate in a wide range of activities and engaging in their communities will improve perceptions towards disability and impairment.  

The creation of the In the Spirit Wood Digital Learning Resource was developed by: 

  • Establishing a Project Advisory Group 
    We brought together a group of community partners and industry experts in digital learning, inclusion, storytelling, and education. This group worked closely with the project team to review, challenge, and guide the development of the resource at key stages. 
  • Synthesising Existing Evidence 
    We conducted a detailed synthesis of Spirit of 2012’s knowledge bank, drawing on insights and evidence from across their programme portfolio. This focused on how different initiatives aimed to deliver the Spirit of 2012’s impact goals related to disability and impairment. 
  • Developing a Story-Based Interview Methodology 
    Using principles of digital storytelling, we designed an interview approach to capture individual ‘moments of change’—personal reflections and shifts in understanding around disability and impairment. 
  • Exploring Educational Contexts 
    We examined a range of educational settings and chose to focus on early years education. This allowed us to test a ‘provotype’ - a prototype designed to provoke feedback - of the learning resource, exploring how storytelling can support inclusive change from the earliest stages of learning. 
  • Co-Designing the Final Resource 
    Working collaboratively with the advisory group, animation specialists, and drawing on the evidence synthesis, we co-designed a set of animations and activity packs. These elements form the In the Spirit Wood Digital Learning Resource.  
Image of a forest - text A story-filled forest where every way of playing, learning and belonging is celebrated

In the Spirit Wood Story Collection

Explore each of the stories and activity packs from the Spirit Wood collection.

Echo and the Firefly Chase is a digital story designed to help educators foster inclusive, playful, and reflective learning experiences with children aged 3–5. The story follows Echo the bat, who plays differently from the other animals, as the forest friends work together to create a game where everyone can join in. It supports inclusive literacy, encourages empathy and belonging, and reflects Spirit of 2012’s evidence on how storytelling can shift perceptions of disability and difference.

Hoot and the Forgotten Glow is a digital story created to support inclusive, reflective, and imaginative learning experiences for children aged 3–5. The story follows Hoot the owl, who prefers to watch from afar, as they are gently welcomed into a glowing forest trail by friends who value quiet confidence and shared creativity. It promotes inclusion, empathy, and belonging, aligning with Spirit of 2012’s evidence on how stories can help children see themselves and others in positive, affirming ways.

Pip and the Pattern Song is a digital story designed to support inclusive, creative, and reflective learning experiences for children aged 3–5. The story follows Pip the woodpecker, who communicates through rhythmic tapping, showing that every voice and way of expressing matters. It encourages children to value diverse communication, celebrate participation, and aligns with Spirit of 2012’s evidence on inclusion through storytelling.

Prickle and the Extra Time is a digital story created to support inclusive, patient, and reflective learning experiences for children aged 3–5. The story follows Prickle the hedgehog, who moves and shares at their own pace, showing how taking extra time can enrich the whole group’s experience. It encourages empathy, values diverse ways of participating, and reflects Spirit of 2012’s evidence on fostering belonging through inclusive storytelling.

Access our collection of stories and activities

Advertisement for In the Spirit Wood

Welcome to the Spirit Wood, use these animations to hear about Echo, Hoot, Pip and Prickle:

Now you have watched the animations, you can read the stories in full and use the activity pack to engage further with what Spirit Wood collection has told you about.

Story text

Activity packs 

Thank you for using the In the Spirit Wood: Inclusive Digital Learning Resource, please let us know your thoughts on our resources through filling out this short survey.

Where to next? 

Want to know more, gain practical insights, and ways to be part of the next phase of the project, then get in contact with the project lead Verity Postlethwaite via email v.a.postlethwaite@lboro.ac.uk 

Partners  

Spirit of 2012 and Loughborough University logos

Image credits: Critical Mass rehearsal (Graeme Braidwood); dancers in the rain (Lee Allen, Critical Mass); athlete with girl (National Paralympic Day); children running with ball (Travel to Tokyo, BPA, Team GB); wheelchair basketball (Pip Rustage).