When I first chose to go into the IB program, I did not know all that much about the program. I knew that it was a different approach to teaching then the one I experienced in elementary school, and I knew it meant I could go internationally, but that was about it. During these past four months I have been learning all about the IB PYP program. I have been understanding the different aspects of the program so far, but I had not had my “AHA!” moment of clarity in grasping the whole concept of the IB PYP program. This all changed my first week back to school this January. I had been reflecting on the program during my winter break, telling others about it, and capturing what I believed the program to be in my own words. This reflection coupled with my first EDCP 331 (Socials) class this term really allowed me to experience my “AHA!”moment. In this Socials class, we were asked to create a vision for the year, complete with themes (units), critical thinking skills, guiding questions, etc. It was during this process of planning a vision where the IB PYP program came into effect. I saw the whole vision for the year through an “IB lens.” I imagined my “units” or “themes” as the six PYP transdisciplinary themes, or Units of Inquiry. From there it was easy to see where the PLOs would fit into each Unit of Inquiry (U of I). The guiding questions could then be seen as the lines of inquiry, and the critical skills as the PYP Approaches to Learning (Trans-disciplinary Skills). It was from this moment on that I truly saw the IB PYP program as a whole, and not just the parts I had been learning about. I am so excited that I had a moment like this and it has only confirmed my belief that this program is fantastic. I am very excited to move forward with this program and to continue to learn more about the IB PYP program and all of its benefits.
Wow – a truly powerful experience for sure, Danica! Seeing it all come together is highly rewarding and now the challenge becomes to learn how to transfer this planning and depth of thinking into real life in the classroom. As IB teachers, making our “planned-for inquiry” thinking translate into exciting provocations and promote student-driven investigations remains the challenge. But, it is one that I know you are up for and will manage with your enthusiasm, commitment, and exceptional hard work ethic. Time to bring on 418!
Danica, I can completely relate to your Aha! moment and I was so pleased that I got to witness it and see your excitement in making connections. Just so you know what that looked like to me was that your excitement and articulation of how the IB process became the centre of your planning visioning and understanding created a moment when I was able to see your ‘learning becoming visible’. Your enthusiasm was palpable in that moment and because of it your leadership qualities were an inspiration! I am so interested in how you are going to move your understanding forward and believe you will have great impact on this program!