Module 1 Reflections

 I am a PYP novice. This course will be my first introduction to the world of PYP teaching, and I am very excited for it. I expect that I will gain a lot of knowledge from this course, as everything will be new to me. In addition to this course, I have chosen to purchase a book by the founders of PYP for my Kindle so that I can continue my learning beyond this course and what it offers. 

Before this module, I vaguely knew the principles of learning and the basis of PYP from having discussed them briefly with my school's curriculum director and the principal. However, the activities in the module (particularly creating the parent flyer) really helped me to dig into it deeper. I actually plan to use my flyer, or some similar version of it, this year!

Right now it is summer, so I haven't really had the chance to change anything in my teaching, or utilize my knowledge. In fact, I don't quite live in the country I am going to be working in yet! We move in just 16 days. However, while learning this material, I have been thinking about what I can do in my classroom that will promote the learning I have had.

A huge take-away I have had is the importance of making the learning principles explicit to students. In order for them to see the value in those principles, I need to explicitly show them their value, both in school and out. I also need to point out ways in which I am fostering those values in my classroom and I need to reach out to the people in my students' community so that they understand the value of those principles and are able to promote them in life outside of school.

I already work to promote kindness and open-mindedness in my classroom. However, the activity associated with that part of the module pushed me to find more ways I am able to incorporate this learning. Two ways that I really liked was using a question of the day as part of a quick morning meeting, and creating a collaborative piece of art. I would like to talk to the other second grade teacher about doing this!

Finally, as a teacher that is multi-lingual, I really valued hearing the importance of language for my students. I completely agree! I love this aspect of PYP, and think it is really important that students understand and feel valued for their contributions both in their native/home languages and the language that they speak at school.