Dear Primary Families,
During our first coffee morning a few weeks back, those of us that were able to be present spoke about a workshop that we ran last year that gave an overview and introduction to the Primary Years Programme (PYP). It was agreed that we will go ahead and offer that again and we are looking forward to Wednesday next week when we will do so.
The session will provide an opportunity to learn more about the PYP and we hope to see new families, as well as those who may wish to be reminded about our programme. One area that will be spoken about is the Learner Profile and below is an outline of how you as parents may support your child in this area.
Being an IB PYP parent
The PYP is a strong curriculum framework, building knowledge, skills, attitudes and conceptual understanding, as well as encouraging students to take action and become lifelong learners. This learning and personal development does not stop once the school day ends. As IB PYP parents, the reinforcement and consolidation of student learning and development away from the classroom is critical and powerful. Through the Learner Profile, the PYP aims to develop the whole child, fostering positive attitudes and skill development. The Learner Profile strives to build global citizens and lifelong learners, challenging us all to be the best that we can be in the home and school. As parents, using this language and terminology in the home can be a powerful way of reinforcing these ten personal attributes. Below are some ways of encouraging your child to continue their personal development using the Learner Profile.
Communicator:
Students who are COMMUNICATORS express their ideas by speaking, drawing and writing. They can also communicate using mathematical language and symbols. They also communicate in more than one language. They are good listeners as well. Being a good listener is an important part of communicating with others.
How can parents help to develop students who are Communicators at home?
- Encourage your child to stay in touch with relatives and friends who live in other places by writing letters, using the phone or sending emails.
- When working on mathematics homework, encourage your child to explain his/her answer to you orally or by drawing a picture.
- Ask your child thought provoking questions and encourage them to discuss them with you. For example:
What would you do if you were scared of someone at school?
Is there anything you cannot buy with money?
Should you get an allowance? Why or why not?
- Work with your child to improve his/her listening skills by modeling active listening.
Principled:
Students who are PRINCIPLED have a sense of fairness and are honest with themselves and with others. They understand that sometimes there are rules and they follow them. They have an understanding of moral reasoning.
How can parents help to develop students who are Principled at home?
- Involve your child in deciding on the rules for a game or activity and then ensure that they stick to the ones that have been decided upon.
- Encourage your child to play games that involve teams. Discuss with your child the qualities of a team player. What sort of person would they want on their team?
- When your child wins a game, insist that he or she is a well-mannered winner. They might thank their opponent or shake hands with them if it’s appropriate.
- When playing a game, don’t change the rules or let your child win. Being a gracious loser is just as important as being a good winner.
- Use the learner profile language when discussing home rules.
If you have any questions about what we do or if you want to talk about your child’s learning, please do contact your child’s homeroom teacher. We’re here to help!
Best regards,
Matthew
Primary Team Lead
Reminders:
Wednesday 11th October (8:00 – 9:30 am): Parent Workshop: Introduction to the Primary Years Programme (PYP)