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To reflect upon our morning, you may respond here (Day 1 AM Reflection) or in your own journal.

1) Which learner profile attribute resonates with you the most from this morning?

2) How did you demonstrate learner agency this morning?

Remember, there are no right or wrong answers.  You make your own meaning!

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PYP Concepts and Central Ideas

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PYP From Principles to Practice - The Learner

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https://blogs.ibo.org/sharingpyp/?s=Developing+approaches+to+learning+(ATL)&submit=Search

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Post your transdisciplinary visual metaphor below

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Post your transdisciplinary visual metaphor below

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https://blogs.ibo.org/blog/2015/12/19/a-room-with-a-view-to-learning/

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Classroom design is about more than colourful walls, polished desks and stylish furniture. A University of Salford study of more than 3,000 students discovered that a "well-designed classroom" has a substantial impact on learning. The effect may be most profound among PYP and MYP-age students, though the principles of good design are applicable across all ages.

In addition to good lighting, air quality, temperature and sound, researchers found that outdoor space can stimulate a range of different developmental areas: as well as encouraging social skills including empathy, it may positively affect cognitive and physical development.

Student input is important, too. The study identified a sense of ownership as one of the top three influencing factors of classroom design. When students feel ownership of the classroom, through displays of their work, this can lead to greater participation and involvement in the learning process.

Colourful environments have significant effects on learning and wellbeing, according to the study. Plain surroundings tend to under-stimulate students, which can lead to restlessness and difficulty concentrating. Over-use of very bright colours, however, can also negatively impact learning, so it's important to strike a balance in terms of visual complexity.

Goodbye, rows of desks!

Three years ago, a professional development conference inspired Adam Turner, a PYP teacher at Prairie Waters Elementary School, Canada, to transform his classroom. Where previously students sat at rows of desks, they now sit in groups at large tables, or on a carpeted area with cushions and two comfortable chairs, depending on discussions. "Our discussions are much more enriching," says Turner. "More often, students don't sit at their desks."

Meanwhile, Ben Toettcher, Director of educational company Skola Group, based the classroom design of Newland College, UK, on a Harkness-inspired round-table set-up. Desks with seating for 14 MYP students are arranged in an ellipse - or oval shape - with a console in the middle, similar to a boardroom. Teachers can switch between direct instruction, using the console, and whole class discussions.

"The main feedback we get from students is that they feel they are heard," says Toettcher. "Since we opened the school at the start of September this year, certain students have become visibly more confident. Parents are especially happy that, with this set-up, it is impossible for their children to feel lost in a class and disengaged."

Asking the students

Harnoop Bhogal, PYP Coordinator, and Olivia Shilvock, PYP teacher, both at the International School of Siena in Italy, have asked their grade 5 class to redesign their classroom for a unit on identity and learning styles.

To see how they learn best for different activities, the room has been sectioned into different zones, including a daylight area; a comfortable seating area with clipboards; a personal display space where the students can add objects throughout the unit; a music station with headphones; and a mathematics area, which is sometimes split to include a science area.

"The students have shown a very sensible approach to the new space," says Shilvock. "I did think that they would all want to sit on the cushions and fight over the headphones but they are already showing different preferences and making suggestions. Some went straight for the mathematics area and started to 'play' with the items there, some went straight to the light area and said they loved it, some went for the music. It was a lovely reaction."

But careful consideration has to be given to the display of certain objects. A study led by the University of Washington discovered that symbolic objects can reinforce gender stereotypes and can cause diversity and inclusivity difficulties. For example, researchers suggested that prominently displaying pictures of past US presidents - who are uniformly white and male - represented a negative stereotype for females and minorities.

Resisting change

Although change is exciting, it isn't always easy.

There is an adjustment period at the beginning of each year, says Turner. Not having a designated storage spot at their desk or a set seat each day is a shock for many new students.

But, as they become accustomed to their environment, students question how they learn best. "Most students gain a better understanding of when is a good time to sit in groups and work or when they need to focus on their own and find a quiet spot," says Turner. "We reflect on which subjects and learning times are best in big groups at a table, and which are best in their own individual realm."

Flexibility must be a key design requirement within school builds, according to the University of Salford study. Classrooms with clear breakout zones were found to have a positive impact on learning. But separate zones, away from the classroom, appear to be ineffective.

Turner rearranges his classroom depending on the lesson. "The large tables allow students to work in groups with ample room, as well as act as good 'staging areas' for sharing work. If we need a large space to convene for class discussions and activities, the tables are easy to move," he explains.

"When students recently shared their mid-unit assessment, we made a 'circle' of the tables - presenters on the inside, observers around the outside."

Teachers no longer feel they are tied to a one-size-fits-all classroom. For many, the traditional row of tables facing a chalkboard is no longer fit for purpose. As well as looking creative, comfy seats on a colourful carpet might be the beginning of a more collaborative way of working.
Tell us how you've changed your classroom and how this has impacted your students' learning: email editor@ibo.org

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Classroom design is about more than colourful walls, polished desks and stylish furniture. A University of Salford study of more than 3,000 students discovered that a "well-designed classroom" has a substantial impact on learning. The effect may be most profound among PYP and MYP-age students, though the principles of good design are applicable across all ages.

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https://blogs.ibo.org/sharingpyp/?s=Revising+central+ideas:+Adopting+a+transdisciplinary+perspective&submit=Search

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Respond to Andrea or Toni and post your response in the "comment":

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Respond to Andrea or Toni and post your response in the "comment":

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Session 2 - Persona Challenge - International-mindedness

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Hi! My name is Corita T. Silapan, and I am your workshop facilitator. I am excited to meet everyone. I have been an educator for 25 years - 16 years with the PYP, teaching Grade 1 up to Grade 5. I am also an IB online workshop facilitator and site visiting team member. I look forward to meeting all of you!

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Session 7 - Persona Challenge - Inquiry (1)

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PYP From Principles to Practice - Learning and Teaching

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For example: "What do you think inspired the writer to come up with such designs? (perspective)

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Please post your photograph(s) below. In the comment section, type a question and classify your question into one of the seven key concepts.

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Please post your photograph(s) below. In the comment section, type a question and classify your question into one of the seven key concepts.

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I used to think...but now I think...

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Ladder Activity: Please upload your work below.

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Ladder Activity: Please upload your work below.

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Session 1 - Persona Challenge - Learner profile

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Creating central ideas activity: Please type your central idea in the comment box.

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Creating central ideas activity: Please type your central idea in the comment box.

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If the World Were a Village of 100 People A Story About the World-s People - Trailer

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Ladder activity: use this template. Upload your work below

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Ladder activity: use this template. Upload your work below

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PYP From Principles to Practice - The Learning Community

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http://www.ndlcpreschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/THE-LITTLE-BOY.pdf

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World-s Best Inspirational Video Mother - Daughter Heart Touching Real Story

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Rubik-s Cube A question- waiting to be answered

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Inclusive learning environments and spaces: Post your designs below:

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Inclusive learning environments and spaces: Post your designs below:

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Session 3: Compare the IB mission statement with your school's 

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Session 3: Compare the IB mission statement with your school's 

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Session 8: Inclusive Learning Space & Final Group Presentation

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Session 8: Inclusive Learning Space & Final Group Presentation

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Hi everyone! My name is Schuylar and I currently teach Grade 4 at CIS. I've enjoyed the multiple challenges and new ideas working with IB has brought. I'm looking forward to learning more about implementing agency in our workshop this weekend.

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Hi, my name is Sharon Jacques, or on here, I'm as ArtyPants my art business from Canada. I have been an educator for 18 years. With this year being my first PYP year. I have taught ESL, IELTS and more. I was the grade 2 teacher at CIS for 3 years. Looking forward to the workshop.

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Hi, folks! I have been at CIS for the last three and a bit years teaching grade 5. I have been working outside of Australia since 1995, teaching at universities most of that time. Learning to teach the IB PYP is very useful PD, I think. However, I have misgivings that an IB education is mostly open to only (often high) fee-paying students. My position is that education should be free and open to all. Still, looking forward to working with you this weekend!

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Hello, I am Vanessa Lau. I have been teaching for 8 years. I am currently teaching Grades 1-6 music. This is my first year at CIS and with IB PYP. Before China, I was in South Korea teaching EFL. I look forward to the workshop this weekend.

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I am excited to join this session to learn more about agency in the PYP from an administrator's point of view. Learning and growing in the profession has been a goal of mine for the past 25 years. As an international educator, I feel that putting theory into practice and reflecting on the impact it has on students' learning is what drives me to explore different avenues for school improvement.

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Hello Everyone! 👋 I am Ana Grkovic. I have been teaching for 5 years. This is my first PYP year! I am currently teaching Grade 5 art, and Grade 7-12 art and photography. I was the Grade 1-6 art, Grade 7-12 drama, English, and Grade 7-9 art and photography teacher at CIS for three years. I have also taught at a private school in Toronto, Canada, prior to coming to China. I look forward to the workshop and learning more about IB! 😊

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Hello Everyone! I am Tracy Wallace. I have been teaching for 14 years. This is my first year teaching the PYP and my first year at CIS. I am presently teaching Grade 2 homeroom. Previously I have taught grades all the way from kindergarten to grade 12, as well as adults at the tertiary level. I have taught in Hong Kong, Tianjin, and Toronto before moving to Guangzhou. Looking forward to learning more about the PYP in this workshop! Cheers!

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Hello! My name is Mark Quattrocchi and currently at CIS Guangzhou as a Grade 5 Homeroom Teacher. This is my first year at CIS and first year as an IB PYP educator. Previously, I have 4 years of classroom teaching experience and 6 years as a facilitator/public speaker for youth and adults. I believe that the PYP framework is wonderful blend between educator and facilitator, that enables teachers to encourage students to look at the world around them thoughtfully and critically. During our PD, I look forward to bridging the gaps between the PYP language and building my toolbox as an instructor.

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My name is Micah Anderson, and while I generally teach secondary school, I will be teaching grade 6 next year as well. I have been teaching for 5 years in a US curriculum NGO school in Uganda and now for 4 months at CIS. Am interested in learning how IB's approach to education can benefit my kids' learning.

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I am Kelly Harper, a Canadian teacher living and working in China for the last 15 years. I have taught in a number of schools, cities and systems, notably Cambridge, AP, University of London and some IGCSE and A-Level. I am always interested in gaining more experience in varied teaching systems and have used IB's Theory of Knowledge to one degree or another over the last several years to bolster the courses I have taught in high school and middle school. This is my first year in an actual IB program and I am looking forward to the new skills I might gain as a life-long learner to pass onto my students to make them people who in addition to becoming life-long learners, might become people who change the world for the better.

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Hi everyone! My name is Betty. I am currently teaching a grade 6 homeroom at CIS. I teach specifically English Language Arts and Mathematics this year.

I look forward to learning more about implementing student agency and creating transdisciplinary lessons.

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Hello! I'm Jakob and am currently a Grade 4 teacher at CIS. It's been an incredible experience implementing the new learning techniques that come along with IB PYP. I continue to remain open and willing to attempt new techniques and strategies that are shared with me along the way. I am excited to see what we can further add to our teaching skillsets through our collaboration.

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Hi! My name is Penny Peng. I work at CIS as a mandarin teacher. This year, I teach from grade one to grade six except grade four, including three native-classes and two non-native classes. Students are creative, they are brilliant learners. I am looking forward to making the PYP happen in the class.

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Hello! My name is Maisie.I am currently teaching Grade 4 native mandarin class in CIS. Although I have 8 years' teaching experience of IBDP Chinese A language and literature, IB PYP programme is still a challenge for me.I look forward to learning more about how to create transdisciplinary units and concept-based teaching and learning.

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Hello. My name Trecito Gansan and I teach grade 2-6 physical education at CISGZ. I am excited for this workshop because IB PYP is all brand new to me. I am looking forward to learning new skills that I can apply into my classes.

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I’m  Henrietta Richardson.  I’m a Grade 2 homeroom teacher at CIS!  I’ve been happily teaching for 8 years. My background includes teaching kids and adults of all levels. ! I’ve enjoyed the PYP experience so far and I look forward to learning new methods and experiences in this workshop!

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Hi, my name is Emmy. I am a Chinese teacher of CIS. I am teaching Chinese to Grade 1, Grade 4, Grade 5 and Grade 6. As a teacher with no IB experience, I am very happy to have the opportunity to learn the teaching concept of IB. This will be a great opportunity for me to improve.

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Hello, I am Jennifer Poon. I have been teaching for ten years. I am currently teaching Grade 1 up to Grade 4 mandarin. This is my seventh year at CIS. Before CIS, I have taught at university in Guangzhou. It is also my first year in learning to teach the IB PYP. I am looking forward to learning more in this workshop!

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My name is Cassie Baugh. I have been teaching for 11 years. This is my first time learning about IB. I am excited for the workshop.

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My name is Nicole Larsen and this is my 5th year in Grade 3 at CIS. I am looking to collaborating with my colleagues and participating in the workshop to increase my knowledge of IB.

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Hello! My name is Ashley and this is my 2nd year at CIS as a formal Chinese(Mandarin) teacher. For this year I’m teaching Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 5 and Grade 6. Some of them are Native classes and some are Non-native classes. As a new teacher to IB area I’m really happy to learn with everyone and looking forward to learn more about PYP in the workshop!

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This is my first year at CIS as the Learning Commons Coordinator/ Librarian. My previous educational experience was at TIS in Macau as an EA and Dorm Supervisor for two years. Much of my work back in Canada was being a Mom to 4 boys and 1 girl and now a Grandma to 4 beautiful girls. My work career of 37 years was spent mostly as a Medical Transcriptionist and later as a Flight Attendent for three different airlines. Looking forward to leanring more about the IB world.

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Meta-Cogniition and Self-Regulation are pathways to personal success. "Know thyself" The Myth of Oedipus

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I will ask questions related to how to implement the PYP in my classroom and be willing to try new things in my classroom.

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Knowledgeable

When I know the answer, I will offer to share it.

I will take turns sharing.

I will also let other people share their knowledge when it is their turn.

I will make it clear what are things that “I know” and what are things that “I guess”.

“The only thing I know is how little I know” – Socrates

I will always ask questions to learn more.

I will respect difference of opinion.

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Choose one or two attributes of the IB learner profile and create a statement that will allow us to be successful participants of this workshop.

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We should feel open to new ideas and be ready to share them.

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The word that stood to me most is agency as it implies that Ss take ownership of their own learning.

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Caring in the classroom and hallways - Schuylar, Nicole, Tracy, and Henrietta

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Caring in the classroom and hallways - Schuylar, Nicole, Tracy, and Henrietta

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In School Culture Week we can introduce and show different food cultures, which can also help us sharing cultural diversity. Using the Healthy Food Pyramid to help kids develop good nutritional intake habits.

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Please post your response in the 'comment'.

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Jennifer, Gabi, Mark - Reflective - Assemblies & Field Trips

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Jennifer, Gabi, Mark - Reflective - Assemblies & Field Trips

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Mission Statement - CISGZ/IB PYP - Ana, Maise, Trecito Jennifer, Betty, Nicole

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Mission Statement - CISGZ/IB PYP - Ana, Maise, Trecito Jennifer, Betty, Nicole