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The Art of the Provocation in the IB PYP
The art of the provocation. Such a vital part of the inquiry classroom. This is the number one request for help and guidance that I receive from teachers, “How and what can I do to provoke this inquiry? ” If this sounds familiar, believe me when I tell you that you are not alone! But don’t worry. I have a few things up my sleeve that can help. In this article, I am sharing suggestions for planning a provocation as well as a guide to Six Simple Provocation activities that you can link to in my Instagram account. Also, read through to the end and you’ll be able to grab a FREE provocation template tool. Easy to use with ANY inquiry, simply edit to suit your needs. It’s available in digital and printable versions, so whatever your situation or preference, I’ve got you covered.
No matter whether you’re teaching online or in the classroom, setting the scene of the inquiry and tuning in to the possibilities requires sparking curiosity, triggering background knowledge and provoking wonder....
Online Teaching with the IB PYP- A Starting Point
I am going to begin with applauding each and everyone of you, my dear colleagues, wherever you may be in the world, as we endure this CORVID 19 pandemic and work together to keep educating our young learners and making their lives as normal as possible given the incredible abnormality of the entire situation. I’m hoping, by sharing a few of my own trials and successes, that I can lessen some of the concerns you my have and help you to recognise that we are all feeling the same feelings. Teachers, children and parents alike.
We were thrown into this online learning situation with only 12 hours notice. Italy announced on a Sunday evening that schools would be closed the next day, for one week. Three weeks later, we re still working through it and growing from it! Stay positive, stay strong and focus on the silver lining of this cloud.
We have since learned that our children are incredibly positive, incredibly independent and incredibly willing. Their beautifully innocent honesty and ...
Developing Thinking Skills with the IB PYP
Hello again fellow inquiry teachers! This article is going to be expanding on my previous post where I was sharing my favourite books for developing thinkers and inquirers.
Looking for ideas for books? Read the article here.
In the beginning….
At the beginning of every school year, I always begin with an emphasis on building a community of learners within a culture of inquiry. And so, first things first, I begin at the beginning.
- Learner Profile
- Thinking Skills
- Conceptual understanding
Those three points involve bringing an awareness to the children of what it means to be a thinker and an inquirer. Their knowledge and understanding of their own unique Learner Profile starts from week one of our school year and here is where I introduce those Approaches to Learning Skills, specifically the thinking skills. Even more specifically, the sub-skills within the IB’s description of thinking skills.
- Metacognition
- Question ...
