Hilliard IB PYP News What is 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. In the IB PYP, students develop knowledge and conceptual understanding, as well as the skills, attitudes and attributes that help them to be life-long, self-motivated learners. Students construct understanding through structured, purposeful inquiry, allowing them to apply what they have learned in real-world, high-interest situations. Hilliard has been recognized as an IB Candidate School for the past 2 years. On November 17-18, 2014, a team of two IB PYP educators will come to evaluate Hilliard’s progress in order to recommend Hilliard for recognition as an Authorized IB PYP World School. 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 What is the learner profile? The IB learner profile describes the IB mission in student learning objectives. Students strive to become learners who are Caring ◊ Balanced ◊ Risk-takers ◊ Inquirers ◊ Thinkers ◊ Knowledgeable ◊ Communicators ◊ Open-minded ◊ Principled ◊ Reflective. These are known as the 10 attributes of the learner profile. All that we do in a PYP school is focused on the goal of becoming learners who show the attributes of the learner profile. IB Mission Statement The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right. 1 Hilliard IB PYP News Family Involvement and Pawsitive Tuesdays Family involvement and support of student learning is key in the IB PYP learning environment. As partners, Hilliard staff and families can work together to help our students develop. Through Hilliard’s Pawsitive Tuesdays promoting positive behaviors, we will be concentrating on specific IB attitudes and learner profile attributes each month, starting on October 14th, with knowledgeable and enthusiasm. Students will strive to show enthusiasm for learning and be knowledgeable. Adults in the school will each nominate a student who exemplifies a highlighted attitude or attribute during the month. You can encourage your child at home in some of the following ways: Knowledgeable Students who are KNOWLEDGEABLE have explored relevant and significant concepts and can remember what they have learned. They can draw on this knowledge and apply it in new situations. Encourage your child to read books at home that correspond with the topics being covered in school. Ask your child about what they are learning in school and engage them in conversations about it: “Why do you think that is an important thing to know about?” “Can you think of anything happening in the world today that might be similar to that aspect of History?” “You’re learning about pulleys and gears at school? This reminds me of your simple machines unit in grade 2… have you noticed any similarities? How is what you’re learning different?” Foster any area that your child expresses an interest in with books and activities, but also be sure to encourage them to explore other areas. Encourage your child to become familiar with current events and to read the newspaper and watch the news when appropriate. Enthusiasm: Students enjoy learning and willingly put effort into the process. Model enthusiasm for learning new skills and information. Recognize and encourage enthusiasm for learning and trying new things in your child, using the word enthusiasm with your child If your child shows reluctance to try new or challenging things, encourage and support him or her and remind him/her that, with effort and willingness to try, they will have success, even if the activity seems challenging. Hilliard Mission Statement Hilliard Elementary educates for excellence by creating an environment that promotes globallyminded, compassionate, life-long learners who are knowledgeable and socially responsible citizens Westlake City Schools Mission Statement We Educate for Excellence…Empowering all students to achieve their educational goals, to direct their lives and to contribute to society. 2