Hilliard 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 the 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: Action
Action: How do we want students to act?
In the Primary Years Program (PYP) it is believed that every student, every year, should have the
opportunity to take responsible action that is student-initiated and voluntary. As parents and teachers,
we can create an environment where there are possibilities for student-initiated action. (Making the
PYP Happen, 2009)
At Hilliard, Pawsitive Tuesday goals and students’ learning in all subject areas connect students to the
learner profile attributes, IB attitudes and how peoples’ actions can affect outcomes in large and small
ways. Actions by students are usually small and arise from genuine concern and commitment. Students
are encouraged to consider the outcomes, accept responsibilities and determine next steps. Adults can
support students along the way by asking them questions that help them reflect and/or plan and to
realize that, sometimes, inaction is the best option. The Action Cycle visual can help students reflect
on actions and possible outcomes in their decision-making.
Hilliard Mission Statement
Hilliard Elementary School educates for
excellence by providing an environment
that promotes globally-minded,
compassionate, lifelong learners who are
knowledgeable and socially responsible
citizens.
Should you have any questions about the IB
PYP at Hilliard, please visit our website:
http://wlake.org/academics/global/IBPYP/
or contact IB Coordinator, Deb Wadden, at
waddend@wlake.org
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Hilliard IB PYP News
Pawsitive Tuesdays
On Pawsitive Tuesday (Feb. 2) a group of students was recognized with an awards breakfast for
exceptional effort in being thinkers and showing creativity during January. Take a look at the display
in the near the library to learn more! Later that morning, 4th graders introduced open-minded, risktaker and tolerance at a school-wide assembly. Here are some things you can do at home to encourage
your child to demonstrate these attributes and this attitude:
OPEN MINDED: Students can understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories. They
are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are
accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view and are willing to grow from the
experience.
Activities for Parents:
 Encourage your child to try out new things- new food, new games and new activities.
 Expose your child to different festivals, celebrations and traditions and be sure to present them in a
non-judgmental way.
 Encourage your child to really listen to others when they speak and to consider others’ opinions
RISK TAKER: Students can have the confidence to try new things. They try to solve problems in a lot of
ways. They have the courage to tell people what they think is right.
Activities for Parents:
 If your child is feeling uneasy about trying something, encourage them to attempt it and then reflect on
both whether they liked the activity and how it felt to try something new.
 You child might want to set some short-term goals. Consider activities that make him/her nervous. What
are realistic goals for the week? Your child might set a goal to:
o Offer an opinion in class
o Spend one recess with someone they might not usually play with
o Order something different from the menu
o Try an activity they haven’t tried before
TOLERANCE: Students are sensitive about differences and diversity in the world and are responsive to the
needs of others.
Recognizing Action around Hilliard
Students are recognized each month for actions they
took that demonstrated the IB learning profile and
attitudes being highlighted the previous month. Their
photos and reasons for nomination are posted in the hall.
Hilliard’s Action Board celebrates student action in and
out of the classroom. Be sure to let your child’s teacher
know of actions they take at home.
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