Dover IB PYP News
What are the Essential Elements of the IB PYP?
IB = International Baccalaureate PYP = Primary Years Programme
The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) is an educational framework that
focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer. The learner profile describes IB Mission
Statement in student learning objectives. The development of the learner profile attributes in
students is supported and nurtured through the 5 Essential Elements of the PYP: Knowledge, Concepts,
Attitudes, Skills and Action. These 5 Essential Elements, developed throughout the IB PYP curriculum,
help students develop into IB learners who have the attributes of the learner profile: Caring ◊ Balanced
◊ Risk-takers ◊ Inquirers ◊ Thinkers ◊ Knowledgeable ◊ Communicators ◊ Open-minded ◊ Principled ◊
Reflective
Please read on to learn about the Essential Element: Skills
Skills: What do we want children to be able to do?
The Primary Years Program (PYP) identifies as set of skills considered valuable, not only within the
units of inquiry, but also for any teaching and learning in the classroom and in life outside the
classroom. (Making the PYP Happen, 2009) At Dover, these skills are developed and used by students in
all aspects of their day. As students become aware of and proficient with these skills, we see them
applying them on their own as they work together, think, plan and solve problems. The skills are
listed in the table below.
Social Skills
Accepting
Responsibility
Communication
Skills
Listening
Thinking Skills
Research Skills
Acquisition of
Knowledge
Formulating
Questions
Comprehension
Observing
Application
Planning
Analysis
Collecting Data
Synthesis
Recording Data
Evaluation
Interpreting Data
Dialectical Thought
Presenting Research
Speaking
Respecting Others
Spatial Awareness
Writing
Resolving Conflict
Group Decision
Making
Adopting a Variety
of Roles
Non-Verbal
Communication
Gross Motor Skills
Fine Motor Skills
Reading
Cooperating
Self-Management
Skills
Organization
Time Management
Safety
Healthy Lifestyle
Codes of Behavior
Metacognition
Informed Choices
Should you have any questions about the IB PYP at Dover, please visit our website:
www.westlake.k12.oh.us/academics/global/IBPYP/ or contact IB Coordinator, Dameon Headings, at
headings@wlake.org
January 14, 2016
Dover IB PYP News
Bagels With Barrett
A group of students were recognized on January 8th with an awards breakfast for exceptional effort for
being reflective and showing appreciation during December. Check out the “Bagels with Barrett”
display beside the school-wide POI, close to the front office and read about why these students were
selected by teachers and staff at Dover Elementary. Congratulations to those students and parents for
modeling our learner profile attributes and attitudes.
Focus Friday
On January 15, students will be introduced to the learner profile attribute: inquirer and the IB
attitudes: curiosity and cooperation. Staff members in the school will each nominate a student who is
being an inquirer and showing cooperation and curiosity during January. Students who have been
nominated by a staff member will be invited, with their families, to a bagel breakfast hosted by Mr.
Barrett and Mrs. Erdman. Parent letters will be sent home 3-5 days in advance so that all members of
the child’s family are able to make arrangements to celebrate and show support for our Dover
students.
Here are some things you can do at home to encourage your child to demonstrate this attribute and
these attitudes:
Curiosity: Encourage your child to be curious about the world, its people and cultures and to know
that curiosity leads to learning.
Cooperation: Encourage your child to work cooperatively, collaborate with others and lead or follow
in different situations.
Inquirers: Students who are INQUIRERS are curious about the world. They can conduct research
independently. They love learning and discovering new things and will carry this love of learning with
them throughout life.
How can parents help to develop students who are Inquirers at home?
 Encourage areas of your child’s interest by visiting the library to borrow books that explore these
topics.

Develop an understanding of the Internet. Work with your son or daughter when the Internet is
being used and try to instill the understanding that some Internet sites are not reputable.

Model being an inquirer. Admit when you don’t know the answer to a problem or a question and
seek out answers in front of your child.
Dover Mission Statement:
Dover Elementary educates for excellence by providing a safe, caring and challenging environment
that empowers all to be inquirers, problem solvers, global thinkers and life-long learners.
January 14, 2016