1 The Heart of the Primary Years Program (PYP) Presented by McGraw Elementary, an IB World School

2 International-mindedness in the PYP The heart of the mission of an IB World School is to develop students who demonstrate the attributes of the IB learner profile. The learner profile represents the qualities of international-mindedness which we hope will characterize our students in a complex, rapidly-changing world.

3 PYP Learners at McGraw are: Inquirers Thinkers Communicators Risk-takers Knowledgeable Principled Caring Open-minded Balanced Reflective These are the attributes of an “internationally- minded” person.

4 Essential Elements of the PYP The PYP aims for an instructional balance in the following areas to help students develop the qualities of the learner profile: Attitudes Skills Knowledge Concepts Action

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6 A commitment to inquiry Inquiry learning is the vehicle by which the essential elements of the Primary Years Program are presented to students. Inquiry learning builds on students’ background knowledge and previous experiences, honors their questions, and empowers them to uncover new understandings. It is the natural way by which children learn about their world.

7 Second Language Component All students at an IB World School receive instruction to learn a second language. At McGraw the chosen second language is Spanish. Many of our students learn basic sign language as well since the district Deaf and Hard of Hearing program is housed at McGraw. Exposure to other languages serves as a doorway to understanding different cultures and new ways of looking at the world.

8 Click on the arrow to find out more about PYP Attitudes.

9 Attitudes Appreciation Commitment Confidence Cooperation Creativity Curiosity Empathy Enthusiasm Independence Integrity Respect Tolerance What PYP learners feel toward themselves, others, the world and learning.

10 Click on the arrow to learn about the skills that students develop through the PYP.

11 Skills What PYP learners are able to apply within and beyond subject areas. Thinking skills Communication skills Self-Management skills Research skills Social skills

12 Click on the arrow to learn about the formats through which students build knowledge in the PYP.

13 Knowledge Subject matter and learning themes which are significant, relevant, challenging and engaging for learners. In traditional subject areas (Math, Science, Reading, etc…) In the Arts and PE In inquiry units based upon global themes that transcend subject areas

14 Click on the arrow to find out how key concepts foster deeper student understanding in the PYP.

15 Concepts Big ideas which deepen and broaden learner understanding within and beyond subject areas. In the PYP these concepts are often contained in questions. Form – “What is it like?” Function – “How does it work?” Causation – “Why is it like it is?” Change – “How is it changing?” Connection – “How is it connected to other things?” Perspective – “What are the different points of view?” Responsibility – “What is my/our responsibility?” Reflection – “How do we know?”

16 Click on the arrow to learn more about the action component of the PYP.

17 Action Student-initiated demonstrations of deeper learning through service to fellow students, the school and the community.

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19 References and Credits Making the PYP Happen. International Baccalaureate Organization, “Heart of the PYP” used by permission of Kim Krenning, McGraw Elementary School. Back to PYP Web PagePYP