December 05, 2016

Part of the PYP philosophy is that all teachers are responsible for the social and emotional well being of students. Instruction on social and emotional learning needs to be specific, explicit and continuos. Social and emotional learning needs to be linked to all aspects of student experience. 

December 05, 2016

While creating the PYP units, teachers incorporate debate and discussion, representing multiple perspectives and the idea of human commonality. In Mrs. Hammar's ELA class, students are not only learning factual information about National Parks but they are making meaning of this learning (creating presentations to share with their class) and then applying their knowledge through rich discussion. The level of application (presentation and debate/discussion) is promoting the retention of information learned. It has been incredible to watch our students rise to this expectation of higher level thinking.

December 05, 2016

We are setting ourselves up for success with the PYP unit planning by beginning with our standards. In October and November, we cut up our standards and aligned them with one of the six PYP units of inquiry. Through this process, we will ensure that all grade level standards are covered. When connected to the central idea, standards from multiple subjects (math, social studies, ELA, religion, science, etc.) will be included in each unit of inquiry.

December 01, 2016

Reflection is an integral part of the learning process in the Primary Years Program (PYP). Here in Mrs. Smith’s class, students are demonstrating that the class is a reflective place where thoughtful consideration of issues, problems and successes is valued highly.

December 01, 2016

By starting with students' prior knowledge, and by confronting and developing their earlier conceptions and constructs, teachers (like Ms. Bakamis) can begin to promote real understanding! We are excited to see how thinking deepens because of a well planned learning process!

December 01, 2016

In the Primary Years Program (PYP) students are supported in their struggle for mastery and control on their journey to become independent, autonomous learners. Check out Mrs. Conrow's 5th grade class as they were investigating and writing 'I wonder" statements about a box of unlabeled rock samples. 

December 01, 2016

Inquiry promotes meaning and understanding and challenges students to engage with significant ideas. This week Mrs. Sheehan's and Mrs. Smith's classes were exploring and wondering about seeds, seed anatomy and seed changes. The next step is to collect data and report findings!

December 01, 2016

As stated in the PYP Making it Happen handbook, "Central to the philosophy of the Primary Years Program (PYP) is the principal that purposeful, structured inquiry is a powerful vehicle for learning." Check out the pictures of Mrs. Woods class below. This week they gathered objects for a compost bag. They found small rocks, twigs/bark, leaves, grass, garbage (paper, plastic, etc.), pine needles, and a few things from the garden.

December 01, 2016

As students' learning and their attempts to understand the world around them are essentially social acts of communication and collaboration, inquiry may take many forms, with students working sometimes on their own, with partners or in larger groups.

December 01, 2016

Our classrooms are transforming into a representation of the IB Primary Years Program (PYP)! The Learner Profile ten attributes are the heart of the IB PYP program and we are introducing them to our students for the first time this school year!

December 01, 2016

Take a peak into the Saint Luke classrooms and be inspired by the development of our first set of classroom Essential Agreements! Each class is starting the year by developing Essential Agreements which will promote learning and safety for all Saint Luke students. Students have collaborated and discussed (and respectfully agreed/disagreed) on a set of goals which sets the tone for collaboration and teamwork. Ask your child about the Essential Agreements developed in their classroom this year!