PYP

There are some PYP schools around the world who have been engaging in remote learning now since January. It is interesting to read what they have learned through this experience and how practices have evolved. One piece of advice seems to keep coming up over and over again and that is that this is an excellent time (if we can use that phrase) to hone in on the IB learner profile attributes and life skills.

As I have written before, the IB learner profile is about the recognition that schooling is not simply about academics. It is about many things including personal development, fostering a love of learning, and caring for ourselves and others (international-mindedness). The IB PYP acknowledges that these elements are all key to a holistic education as are all learning experiences, inside and outside the classroom. This philosophy can be seen throughout all IB programmes and through the IB Mission statement. During the IB Diploma Programme (Year 11 and 12 equivalent) students engage not only in Science, Languages, Humanities, and Mathematics but they must also undertake CAS. CAS involves community service, at least one activity outside of school (e.g. dance, cooking classes) and a creative pursuit. It is about helping students find their passions, be connected, and also learn skills beyond the classroom.

At the moment, children have a good opportunity to spend time learning skills beyond the classroom, find their passion, and focus on developing the learner profile attributes. Some ideas for encouraging this are below:

Play IB learner profile bingo! Get your child to complete five activities off the IB learner profile bingo board. There is no time limit. They can do these at any stage and work through them as they desire (or when boredom hits peak levels!) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iQrXYBn49h1y6YI07pe6ubMdbXI35PhrGJ4Y0eVf280/edit
Focus on life skills: cooking, learning to make beds, gardening, mindfulness techniques, cleaning, laundry.
Encourage children to use this time to try some different things, which might spark passion -maybe knitting, collaging, dancing, playing a new board game (or even better designing one of their own), writing a comic book, learning to train the family pet, etc.

A provocative blog post that supports the view of this time is a rich time for learning (not just in an academic sense) has been written by Jaime Ragsdale. It has gone viral but if you have not read it, it is an interesting piece. In it, Jaime ponders the question of what if the children of this generation are not behind because of this pandemic but ahead. I think it ties in well with the notion of holistic education which is a hallmark of the IB. If you are interested in reading the article, please click on the link below. https://www.altogethermostly.com/what-if-instead-of-behind-these-kids-are-ahead/

Play IB learner profile bingo! Get your child to complete five activities off the IB learner profile bingo board. There is no time limit. They can do these at any stage and work through them as they desire (or when boredom hits peak levels!) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iQrXYBn49h1y6YI07pe6ubMdbXI35PhrGJ4Y0eVf280/edit
Focus on life skills: cooking, learning to make beds, gardening, mindfulness techniques, cleaning, laundry.
Encourage children to use this time to try some different things, which might spark passion -maybe knitting, collaging, dancing, playing a new board game (or even better designing one of their own), writing a comic book, learning to train the family pet, etc.