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: Concepts
Concepts: What do we want children to understand?
The Primary Years Program (PYP) identifies 8 concepts that are considered “key” because they are
applicable across the curriculum. Within the context of these concepts, important ideas can be
categorized and better understood. The PYP Key Concepts and related questions help teachers and
students consider ways of thinking and learning about the world and can serve as starting points for
inquiries. (Making the PYP Happen, 2009)
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
The key concepts and related
questions, shown to the right,
provide context through which
students can explore and deepen
their understanding of all subject
areas. Each unit of inquiry explores
content through 3 key concepts,
with all of them being covered each
school year. As students understand
the key concepts in different
contexts, they can begin to apply
them to new facts and topics to help
make connections to what they
already know and expand their
knowledge.
1
December 10, 2015
Dover IB PYP News
Bagels With Barrett
A group of students were recognized on Dec. 4 with an awards breakfast for exceptional effort for
being a good communicator, being respectful and showing independence during November. 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 Dec 11, students will be introduced to the learner profile attribute: reflective and the IB attitude:
appreciation. Staff members in the school will each nominate a student who is being reflective and
showing appreciation during December. 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:
Reflective: Students will give thoughtful consideration to their learning and experience. They are able
to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal
development.
Activities for Parents:
 Spend some time reviewing your child’s report card with them. They should have the
opportunity to look at this document and consider it as well. Discuss it with them and truly
consider their thoughts and their strengths and areas for improvement.
 Use the travel time at the end of vacations and activities to reflect on the significance of the
activity.
 Encourage your child to create a reflection journal or scrapbook about important events.
Appreciation: Encourage your child to appreciate the wonder and beauty of the world and its people
as well as the positive things that happen to them and to others.
Dover Inquirers
3rd Grade students use the internet to
research about their wonderings during
the study of “Who We Are”.
Students in Mrs. Mattingly’s class use the
IB Learner Profile attributes to
characterize the attributes of
King Christian X of Denmark.
Students collaborate together to solve
word problems and share strategies to
solve those problems.
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.
2
December 10, 2015