There are so many wonderful books for helping to teach children about the character traits of the IB Learner Profile. Books bring the Learner Profile to life as children learn what these attributes LOOK-SOUND-FEEL-ACT like. Over the years however, I keep returning to a few that I feel reinforce those profile traits really well. Iâve used these books with 3rd grade up to 6th grade equally successfully, even though they may seem to be a wee bit young for those age groups. They work well as quick read alouds and can be utilised to reinforce many reading skills and strategies too:Â inferring, questioning, synthesising, figurative language and more.
This page is a list of my favourite books for pulling together the Learner Profile traits. I like to use some of them within our units of inquiry or simply as a stand alone exploration when the opportunity presents itself to look more thoroughly at a particular profile trait.
I have grouped them...
Womenâs History Month Through a Concept-Based Inquiry Lens
March is a powerful opportunity to inspire our IB PYP learners with the stories of remarkable women who have shaped our world. But how can we go beyond simple recognition and create meaningful, inquiry-driven learning experiences? By integrating Womenâs History Month across the PYP transdisciplinary themes, we can deepen studentsâ understanding of key concepts, cultivate research skills, and connect their learning to the Learner Profile in a way that resonates for all ages. In this article, Im offering ideas for connecting this important recognition of women in society with classroom resources that may be able to support your investigations and align with our IB PYP framework.
Each of the six transdisciplinary themes offers a unique lens for exploring the contributions of women throughout history. By narrowing our focus with concepts such as identity, innovation, revolution, chang...
I know that being new to the world of concept-based inquiry can be over-whelming. And I know that we are coming from all over the world. đI know our community.đ And that's why I wanted to make professional development as accessible and as affordable as possible for you, no matter your learning style. This article is sharing the many forms of support that I have designed to support you as a valuable member of our community. I've been in your shoes and I have worked with many, many others who have come through Essentials for Inquiry before you. Let me support you, too.Â
Whether youâre looking for bite-sized professional learning, an all-access membership with money-back perks, or an in-depth, comprehensive course you can own for life, I made sure that Essentials for Inquiry has an option that fits your needs. Plus, with an exclusive community of like-minded educators, youâll never have to navigate the inquiry journey alone.đ
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.
 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...
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