Making Sense of It The Primary Years Programme Parents play a vital role in raising independent, life-long learners who make a difference in the world of today.

The role of parents in the development of the learner profile An Inquiry into: The characteristics of a PYP student The skills necessary to become a PYP parent. The role of parents in the development of the learner profile Key Concepts: Function , Responsibility Related Concepts: Roles, Communication, Action

What do I need to know about the Primary Years Programme? What skills do I need in order to become a PYP Parent? How will I know when I’m being a successful PYP Parent?

The Primary Years Programme Focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. It is a Programme that provides a framework for curriculum and assessment that is guided by six trans-disciplinary themes of global significance which are explored using knowledge and skills derived from different subject areas, allowing students to step up beyond the confines of learning within subject areas.

Reflects real life by encouraging learning beyond the traditional subjects, with meaningful, in-depth inquiries into real issues. Provides opportunities for learners to construct meaning through concept-driven inquiry, where concepts are used to support and structure the inquiries, provide a context in which students can understand and, at the same time, acquire essential knowledge, skills and attitudes. What is it like? How does it work? Why is it like this? How is it changing? How is it connected to other things? What are the points of view? What is our understanding? Do we have a responsibility?

Content vs Concept Students learn about and memorize all of the rivers and bodies of water in British Columbia. OR… Students learn why people settle near rivers and how these bodies of water allow people to live.

Students learn about and memorize a chronological list of dates, events and leaders that make up a country’s government. OR… Students learn about the responsibility and perspective of different types of government and how they relate to the citizens of the country.

Students learn and memorize bear facts: types of bears, what they eat and where they live. They sing songs about bears, draw pictures of bears and do math facts with bear pictures beside them. OR… Students learn about how bears are part of a natural ecosystem that is full of plants and animals that are dependent on each other for survival.

The Primary Years Programme Encourages a positive attitude towards learning by engaging the students in inquiry and developing their awareness of the process of learning so that they can become life-long learners Emphasizes, through the learner profile, the development of the whole student – physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically

Students are encouraged to be curious, be inquisitive, ask questions, explore and interact with the environment physically, socially and intellectually. The programme encourages and develops internationally-minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world. It gives students the opportunity to reflect and take action as a result of the learning.

The PYP Parent Is a role model Caring Risk -Taker Reflective Open-Minded Reflective Balanced Principled Inquirer Communicator Thinker Knowledgeable

The PYP Parent Your enthusiasm is contagious! Motivates by Example Be the reader, the inquirer, the artist, the scientist, the naturalist, the ecologist, the adventurist, the friend, the environmentalist, the writer and the thinker that you want your child to be. Your enthusiasm is contagious! “As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” Nelson Mandela

PYP Parents Encourage independence by: Allowing their children to pack their own bags, lunches. Dropping their children off in the parking lot and allowing them to walk to their classrooms by themselves. Providing opportunities where children are able to make choices. Support their children in their struggle for mastery and control on their journey to become independent, autonomous learners. Participate in the learning by sharing their own reflections about the topics of study. Learn from their children.

PYP Parents Are positive, enthusiastic and imaginative, and create adventures to stimulate and motivate their children. Share stories, experiences and reflections about the past, and hopes and dreams for the future. Listen actively and attentively, encourage and participate in student initiated action. Are aware of current affairs and global issues, and are tolerant and accepting of different perspectives .

Takes Action in the World The PYP Parent Takes Action in the World “The human brain now holds the key to our future. We have to recall the image of the planet from outer space... a single entity in which air, water, and continents are interconnected. That is our home.” David Suzuki, Canadian environmentalist www.davidsuzuki.org

Small acts of kindness that help another person Taking action can be done in so many ways… Small acts of kindness that help another person Volunteer your time in the community Help someone in need Choose a cause – raise money to make a donation Clean up a park Spend time with someone who might feel lonely Teach a friend or family member about something you think is important – Awareness is the first step towards positive action! Teach, model and BE empathetic.

Become a part of the action! IB Schools Worldwide are working together to explore and engage with the IB Community Theme: Sharing our humanity. http://communitytheme.ibo.org/ Become a part of the action!

Success ….. The PYP Student Enthusiasm, commitment, independence; the students begin showing the traits of the learner profile. Students begin to take ownership of their learning; develop a sense of pride in their work and self. Communication Co-operation Responsibility Action

Parents play a vital role in raising independent, life-long learners who make a difference in the world of today. Resources: International Baccalaureate: Making it PYP Happen Primary Years Programme: A curriculum framework for international primary education. 2007 Erickson, Lynn. Concept Based Curriculum and Instruction: Teaching Beyond the Facts. 2002

Questions?

Thank you for coming.