Primary eNews – Aug 12th, 2022
The Importance of the Learning Environment
As part of our orientation this year, the primary teachers took some time to reflect on the kind of learning environments we want to create for our students. After the pandemic, this year, was the first year since 2018 that we were able to have our students on campus for the first week of school. As a team, we discussed the key values that we came up with that we wanted to ensure were a part of our classroom culture, which included somewhere that was safe, comfortable, inviting, flexible, that students had ownership over, choice of learning spaces that are flexible, inviting and engaging.
In upper primary, students are working together to plan and design the different learning spaces that they wish to create in their classroom. Based on their learning needs, students have planned a variety of areas to suit their wants and needs. Giving students a voice in how and where they learn increases engagement.
We take time to discuss the different spaces that are available to the students. A variety of flexible seating options are provided to ensure that students feel comfortable and have choice in where they will learn best. Bean bags, wobble cushions, carpet, desks and outdoor areas are all part of this choice.
For our younger students, ensuring that students feel safe and comfortable is a key priority as learning environments are established. Teachers have taken time to create welcome banners, putting students work on display and ensure students take time to reflect on how they are feeling and that students are able to take some ownership over their learning environments through creating displays of their work.
When students are provided with voice, choice and ownership in their learning, student agency is supported. When students have agency, they are considered a partner in the learning process encouraging them to take responsibility for their own learning.
As a parent, giving your child choice, voice and ownership can help students become more independent and self motivated at home too. Talk with your child about creating spaces to read, create and play in. How can these areas be organised? What materials are needed? Can your child reach materials and tidy up independently? Take time to establish routines during the beginning of the year that can promote a child’s independence. Creating a visual schedule of the uniform or equipment a child needs the next day, working together to pack school bags and lunchboxes and taking time at the end of the day to ensure a regular routine for reading is available.
Parent accounts @ The BIS Library
All parents, returning and new, are encouraged to stop by the BIS Library to sign up for their free library account. Besides being able to supplement books for their children (to be read together at home as a family), parents can also check out books for themselves.
We have an extensive collection of “Secondary” books, both fiction and nonfiction, that would be of interest to adults as well. We have over 350 new books this year and we try to obtain the most popular titles. Stop by; the sign up process only takes a few moments. And please also follow the BIS Library on Instagram!
Session for the Parents who New to the PYP
Dear Primary Parents,
You’re invited to join our first Parent Session on Monday, August 22nd at 1.45pm in the Library.
The PYP offers an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary curriculum framework that builds conceptual understanding. It is a student-centered approach to education for children aged 3-12. It reflects the best of educational research, thought leadership and experience derived from IB World Schools.
The PYP has evolved to become a world leader in future-focused education. The PYP is an example of best educational practice globally, responding to the challenges and opportunities facing young students in our rapidly changing world.
