Look for the  IB PYP This or That Exit Slips and Reflection Task Cards for Concepts to support deeper thinking across all transdisciplinary themes. They were such a hit for students and teachers!Â
Concept Sorting with Real Objects This is an example of internalisation & classification in action.Â
 Provide a variety of real-world objects and have s...
At PYPTeachingTools.com, I know how much you pour into creating meaningful, engaging, and wonder-filled learning experiences for your students. I also know how hard it is to juggle planning, professional development, and everything else on your plate.
I receive many, many questions from our community, every month. And I hear you.đThatâs why I'm thrilled to announce something game-changing for inquiry-based educators everywhere!
This is more than a subscription. Itâs a time-saving lifeline packed with everything you need to develop thinkers and inquirers, provoke wonder in your students, and enhance your teaching practiceâall delivered straight...
This inquiry jar strategy is a great way to tune into the additional concepts within your theme using tangible materials.
Unpacking Project-Based Learning for the IB PYP: A Concept-Based, Transdisciplinary Approach
Consider all the benefits of experiential learning and the myriad ways it reaches ALL learners and learning styles. This is why I love authentic inquiry-based projects for ALL disciplines and project-based learning (PBL) is just another powerful way to engage students in the inquiry cycle, enhancing their research skills and connecting their learning to real-world issues. In the IB PYP, inquiry-based math projects offer powerful opportunities for students to explore math in a way that connects to real-world issues Letâs look at how the PBL approach can be adapted for the IB PYP classroom within our concept-based, transdisciplinary approach to teaching.Â
I have provided several examples for both upper and lower grades. Read on to find high-engagement ideas for your students' age and ability level.Â
I create inquiry-based projects and activities for my students b...
There isn't much as scary as Halloween in the elementary classroom! You either love it or hate it! đ Whatever your feelings about Halloween, brace yourself and keep the inquiry flowing with these skills-based learning tools I have for you. And all perfectly aligned for your upper elementary IB PYP classroom.
Halloween is the perfect time to bring a little magic to your classroom and engage students with creative, spooky literacy activities. By integrating Halloween-themed tasks into your learning environment, you can provide meaningful experiences that foster critical Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, such as thinking, communication and social skills; key elements of our IB PYP framework. Below, we explore some eerie-sistible đHalloween literacy activities that will make your planning easier.
1.Spooky Story Starters for Creative Writing _Thinking & Communication Skills
Get your studentsâ imaginations howling with a Halloween-the...
 If you're new to inquiry based learning or the IB PYP, you may very well be asking yourself what exactly is an inquiry cycle? Well, basically it is a marvellous journey that you take alongside your students, allowing a common language into exploration.đ Let's dive in and unpack it together.
Concept-based inquiry is at the heart of the IB PYP pedagogy and the process of inquiry is often modelled as a linear cycle. There are many correct inquiry cycles out there and it doesn't matter which one you prefer to follow or adapt since the process of learning is what's most important for your students. It provides a powerful framework for cultivating curiosity in our classrooms. When we talk about inquiry, weâre talking about active learning; empowering our students to BE thinkers, questioners, explorers, communicators. However, PYP schools are probably most familiar with Kath Murdochâs inquiry cycle.Â
In today's post, weâll explore the fundamental stages of the process of inquiry and I'll o...
I'm excited to introduce a powerful approach to enhance reflection and inclusive assessment in the IB PYP through the lens of conceptual awareness. ...
Empowering Your Classroom with Accountable Talk: A Pathway to Deeper Learning
Have you ever noticed how some classroom discussions just fizzle out, while others spark curiosity and connection? Thatâs where Accountable Talk steps in, breathing life into conversations and adding oomph to student-driven learning. Itâs not just another buzzwordâitâs a powerful tool for fostering communication, critical thinking, and collaboration in our IB PYP classrooms. When students take ownership of their words and ideas, theyâre not only talkingâtheyâre learning.
Letâs dive into what accountable talk really is, why itâs essential, and how you can seamlessly weave it into your everyday teaching.
Fundamentally, Accountable Talk is about keeping discussions purposeful, respectful, and learning-focused. Itâs conversation that pushes understanding forward, where students are responsible for their words and ideas, holding themselves accountable to their classmates, t...
I wanted to put out a list of the essentials for every IB PYP classroom, giving even those of you who, like myself, tend to procrastinate all summer long, plenty of time to prepare. Back to school preparations are in high gear for some and dragging for others. I tend to fall into the latter category myselfâŚdespite good intentions every single year. You know, last minute cramming moments before the kids walk into the classroom? No matter which camp you fall within, I have that checklist of the essentials for your inquiry-based classroom that will help keep you...
Greetings international teachers, from (not so) sunny Scotland. Another school year is almost over and I know those main challenges that we teachers face at the end of the school year.
Well, I have a few ideas for activities that are perfect for the end of the year that I wanted to share with you. These are easy to prepare, easy to implement and easy to keep the kids motivated whilst learning. Even if you arent at that point in your school year, take a look. Im hoping you'll be able to find something that might work for your class. ÂWhite Board Summer WishesThe picture below is a photo of me with messages from my 3rd grade students. This is a super easy and fun activity for ALL age ... |
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