I took this picture on my first day at my school, and i didn’t really know how it fit into the IB PYP until this week in class at UBC. After learning about the Key concepts in class I am now reflecting on how it was used in my grade 2 classroom during the past weeks, including my two week practicum. I now realized that my SA had this up on the wall by the corner of the class where they usually sit and have class discussions. It was used as a reminder for the students to use when asking questions. When I look back at the classroom organization and layout of the classroom, IB content is prominently displayed.

This week has been a very active week for teaching I undertook the first science experiment for the class as well as tackling some PE and Math lessons. It was challenging and my area for improvement was to try and include more IB language into the classroom discussion and feedback. The school is relatively new to the PYP program and for me to fully succeed I want to ensure that they children become very familiar with the terminology.

My SA has been a great inspiration as she constantly peppers in IB language and it helps me see how I can use this in my lessons and throughout the day.

My School is fortunate to have many specialist teachers in Music, Mandarin, French, and PE which has allowed me to become fully integrated into the planning process during the prep blocks and how they implement their programme of inquiry into each class while aligning with the BC curriculum.

After my first week at my school, I thought that now would be a good time to reflect on the week.

The school is privileged to have such support from the parents as was exhibited during their swimming lesson this week where over 5 parents showed up to help get the children organized and changed for their lesson.

I learned a lot about my teaching style from the feedback that I received from my SA and my UBC advisor, I aim to implement these improvements in future lesson plans as I am now cognisant of my areas for improvement. Overall this week has reinforced my decision to become a teacher as I have loved every minute of it.

There were many things that happened during the week which typify the life of a teacher as you always have to be on your toes, as there was a fire alarm pulled by a student one day and the power went out on another day and classes were cancelled. Which allowed me extra time to work on my lesson plans for the upcoming classes. I aim on taking a more active role next week in class and challenge myself in areas that I want to improve upon.

The photo that I attached is a great example of the creativity and the influence of the IB program on the children and their families.

This child’s Halloween costume is a Starbucks coffee with some IB learner profiles checked off on the back from the feedback from his parent teacher meeting.