Holly Lane 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 Holly Lane, 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
Communication
Skills
Acquisition of
Knowledge
Accepting
Responsibility
Listening
Respecting Others
Speaking
Cooperating
Reading
Resolving Conflict
Writing
Group Decision
Making
Adopting a Variety
of Roles
Thinking Skills
Non-Verbal
Communication
Comprehension
Application
Analysis
Synthesis
Evaluation
Dialectical Thought
Metacognition
Research Skills
Self-Management
Skills
Gross Motor Skills
Formulating
Questions
Observing
Planning
Collecting Data
Recording Data
Interpreting Data
Presenting Research
Fine Motor Skills
Spatial Awareness
Organization
Time Management
Safety
Healthy Lifestyle
Codes of Behavior
Informed Choices
Should you have any questions about the IB PYP at Holly Lane, please visit our website:
www.westlake.k12.oh.us/academics/global/IBPYP/Pages/ or contact IB Coordinator, Dameon
Headings, at headings@wlake.org
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January 14, 2016
Holly Lane IB PYP News
Top Notch Tuesday
A group of students were recognized on January 12, with an awards breakfast for exceptional effort for
being reflective and showing appreciation during December. Check out the “Top Notch Tuesday”
display beside the front office and read about why these students were selected by teachers and staff
at Holly Lane Elementary. Congratulations to those students and parents for modeling our learner
profile attributes and attitudes.
Wise Owl Wednesday
On January 13, students were 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 Mrs. Verdone and
Mrs. Foster. 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 Holly Lane students.
Here are some things you can do at home to encourage your child to demonstrate this attribute and
these attitudes:
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.
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.
Holly Lane Mission Statement:
The Holly Lane Community educates for excellence promoting an inquiry-based environment of
internationally-minded individuals who become life-long learners.
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January 14, 2016