Bringing IB PYP Concepts to Life: A Creative Approach to Launching the PYP Exhibition
A Creative Approach to Launching the IB PYP Exhibition
written by Jahnavi Aswani, Podar International School, Mumbai
Within our IB PYP community, it is a privilege and a joy to meet so many creative teachers who bring their perspective and flair to our pedagogy. Please enjoy this article written by guest blogger, Jahnavi Aswani as she shares how she and her colleague, Hetal Mehta, brought a creative and immersive experience to their recent PYP Exhibition. Look for the fabulous concept tree and the wonderful stories connecting the concepts with application of attributes and skills. Wonderful work!
In the journey of inquiry, questions are more powerful than answers—and understanding comes alive when learners engage with ideas, not just information. As we began our Grade 5 learners’ PYP Exhibition journey at PIS, we set out to help them explore the specified concepts that would guide their thinking throughout the process.
But instead of introducing these abstract ideas through slides or definitions, my colleague Hetal Mehta and I chose a more immersive approach—one that combined storytelling, performance, reflection, and creativity. The result was a classroom buzzing with energy, thoughtful questions, and a blossoming Concept Tree of student-led inquiry.
Introducing “Kangi and His Magic Keys” 
The workshop began with the introduction of an original comic strip titled “Kangi and His Magic Keys,” created by me. The story follows Kangi, a wise and approachable kangaroo, and Alanso, a curious young boy who hilariously mistakes a pencil for a dumbbell.
As the narrative unfolds, Kangi introduces Alanso to seven “magic keys”—each representing one of the specified concepts:
Form, Function, Causation, Change, Connection, Perspective, and Responsibility.
Through simple, humorous exchanges, these concepts take shape as tools to view the world, solve problems, and ask deeper questions.
From Reading to Roleplay
But the true power of the story came alive when the students stepped into it. Rather than just reading, they enacted the comic strip—taking on the roles of Kangi, Alanso, and even the animated concepts themselves.
The classroom became a stage for exploration. Students laughed, questioned, and reflected in real time. They weren’t just learning about concepts—they were embodying them.
This drama-based approach helped students:
- Understand each concept in a memorable and personal way.
- See the relevance of abstract thinking to everyday situations.
Practice collaborative performance and confidence in expression.
Building the Concept Tree 
To extend the experience into thoughtful reflection, students were invited to formulate their own inquiry questions based on the concepts they explored.
- Each learner received a post it and wrote a question aligned with one specified concept.
- These were then added to a large Concept Tree display, visually mapping their collective thinking.
- The tree grew—leaf by leaf, question by question—into a powerful symbol of how learning takes root and flourishes.
Beyond Concepts—Towards Meaning
This workshop was more than a creative activity. It was a pedagogical moment of depth—where inquiry, voice, and concept-driven learning intersected. Students didn’t just memorize terms; they experienced the purpose behind them.
One learner insightfully shared,
“Now I know that concepts are like glasses—you wear them to see things clearly.”
That metaphor perfectly captures what we hoped to achieve. In learning to use the specified concepts, our students are preparing to think like inquirers, act with intention, and question with clarity.
Stepping into the Exhibition
With this workshop, we’ve planted the first seeds of the Exhibition process—introducing not just the “what,” but the “how” of inquiry. The specified concepts served as thinking tools as our learners began to explore global issues, personal passions, and community needs.
More Exhibition Resources:
With some fabulous ideas from Jahnavi and Hetal, I have no doubt you found something that you can use or adapt for your students. :)
I have a ton of resources that explicitly support the journey through the IB PYP Exhibition. I'll leave these links here for your convenience. Just click through to find more ideas, videos and tools.
Step by Step Through the IB PYP Exhibition - Getting Started
Journey Through the IB PYP Exhibition
Mentoring the Mentors though the Exhibition
Enjoy!
P.S. Dont forget to grab your FREE tools right here PLUS a check list to help navigate your journey through the Exhibition.
