IB PYP: Creating Internationally-Minded Students
International-mindedness is central to the IB mission and is a foundational principle to its educational philosophy; it is at the heart of the continuum of international education.
International-mindedness is a view of the world in which people see themselves connected to the global community and assume a sense of responsibility towards its members. It is an awareness of all nations and peoples and is a recognition of the complexity of these. Internationally-minded people appreciate and value the diversity of peoples, cultures, and societies in the world. They make efforts to learn more about others and develop empathy and solidarity towards them to achieve mutual understanding and respect (Oxfam2105; UESCO 2015).
Primary Years Programme (PYP) learners and their learning communities have a range of perspectives, values and traditions. The concept of international-mindedness builds on these diverse perspectives to generate a sense of common human and shared guardianship of the planet.
In addition, the learner profile and approaches to learning provide the dispositions and foundational skills for the development and demonstration of international-mindedness.
Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15 -October 15
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the culture and history of Hispanic and Latinx communities. The Hispanic or Latinx refers to a person's culture-regardless of race. Hispanic Heritage Month was first introduced by California Congressman, George E. Brown. According to History.com, Hispanic Heritage Month was created to coincide with the Independence Day of several Latin American Nations. Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates how these communities have influenced American Society.
Reference: History.com
As a parent, guardian or family member, you have a critical role in extending the learning process outside of school. Learning takes many different formats from formal learning to unplanned learning through play and experiences. Connecting to the IB Key Concepts will help you develop questions that deepen your student's learning.
Form: What is it like?
Function: How does it work?
Connection: How is it connected to other things?
Change: How does it change?
Causation: Why is it like this?
Perspective: What are the different points of view?
These questions and other similar questions will help deepen your student's learning in a variety of settings.
Students who are open-minded understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspective, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view and are willing to grow from the experience. IB students have a deep understanding of various cultures and views, bringing an appreciation of new views to both their academic study and their involvement in local and wider communities.
Ways Parents Can Help Students to be Open-Minded at Home:
- Model open and accepting behaviors for all humans.
- Encourage students to try new things- new foods, new games, and new activities.
- Expose students to different festivals, celebrations and traditions in a non-judgmental way.
- Encourage students to really listen to others when they speak.
- Introduce literature about many different cultures into your home library. Be sure that it is appropriate and reflects the culture in an appropriate way.
- Introduce students to other cultures, countries, and global issues.
- Encourage students to ask questions to discover more information.
- Have students reflect on their own learning and ideas of others.
Did you know that Council has several policies that will help parents and stakeholders better understand the IB PYP Programme at Council?
Policies are located on W.H. Council Traditional School's website under the An IB Programme School tab.