The PYP (Primary Years Programme) is the elementary (K-5) component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The IB curriculum provides a well-rounded, internationally-minded, and inquiry based education. Students are asked to think critically about the world in which they have an integral role. They are also encouraged to reflect what they are learning in the classroom through thoughtful action in their every day lives.
In third grade, the PYP units will take several forms. We will be following the Inquiry Cycle (by: Kath Murdoch) for each unit.
INQUIRY CYCLE
1. CONNECTING WITH THE UNIT TOPIC: Each of the units begins with a "central idea". The central idea describes the overall concept of the unit. Students share their background knowledge and previous experiences relating to this idea.
2. DEEPENING CONNECTIONS WITH THE UNIT TOPIC: Through class investigations, field trips, readings, guest speakers, and other experiences, students gain a deeper understanding of the central idea. They are then asked to think of questions they are interested in investigating independently.
3. FORM INQUIRY GROUPS: Students will spend time investigating their personal questions. They may do this in a small group, or on an individual basis.
4. SORTING OUT DIFFERENCES IN UNDERSTANDING: This is a time to pause and reflect on the information they have discovered thus far. They decide what they now know, and what they still would like to learn.
5. INQUIRY PRESENTATIONS/DRAWING CONCLUSIONS: Students will be asked to present their knowledge in a variety of ways such as projects, oral presentation, art, drama, and/or writing. Parents will be invited for these events.
6. ASSESSMENT AND REFLECTION: Students will be assessed informally throughout the inquiry cycle. Students will also be asked to self-assess based on rubrics we create as a class. All expectations and requirements will be clearly stated at the beginning of each unit, and available to parents on our website.
7. THOUGHTFUL ACTION: The reason we are motivated to learn throughout our unit, is to discover ways that we can affect change in our community. Students are asked to use their reflections to help create a plan of action. This could be an individual action or a group action. This is where I will ask for parents' help in communicating about the thoughtful actions your child participates in at home.