In the Primary Years Programme (PYP), inquiry is the beating heart of our pedagogical approach. But how do we effectively map, monitor, and document the complex, non-linear growth of inquiry skills in our students? More importantly, how do we move students from simply doing inquiry to truly understanding how they learn? This is where the Inquiry Learning Progressions come into play.

Last week in The Hague, I had the privilege of joining thousands of fellow educators for the IB Global Conference. The theme, "Our Humanity, Connected," was far more than just a slogan on a banner; it was a pedagogical call to action that resonated through every session I attended. I walked away with a mind buzzing with ideas, but more importantly, with a clear, actionable thread connecting them all.

As PYP coordinators, we often grapple with the question of external standards. While the PYP provides an incredible framework for how students learn, the 'what' can sometimes feel fluid. A common question I hear is: "What are the main standards your schools are using/find comprehensive and PYP-compatible?" The truth is, there's no single "right" answer. However, for schools, particularly those in Europe or anywhere not bound by a national curriculum, this freedom presents a golden opportunity to build something truly exceptional.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) has updated the descriptors for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) Transdisciplinary Themes, and it’s more than just a change in wording—it’s a meaningful evolution in perspective. If you're a PYP coordinator or teacher, you might be wondering what this practically means for your programme of inquiry and classroom practice. This guide unpacks the "why" behind the shift and, most importantly, the "so what," offering practical takeaways to help you confidently navigate this transition and enrich your students' learning.

After every workshop I lead, I find myself sketching out a ‘director’s cut’ in my mind. It’s a familiar process for any facilitator, I’m sure. You reflect on the moments of genuine breakthrough, the sparks of collaborative energy, and you think, "How can I capture that magic and make it the core of the experience next time?" The PYP Exhibition workshop, a cornerstone of our practice, is a space ripe for this kind of refinement.

The digital world is all around us, and our primary learners are growing up as digital natives! Integrating technology into the classroom can be incredibly exciting, offering new ways to explore, create, and learn. But with so many apps, tools, and devices, how do we choose what’s truly effective and not just a fun distraction? That's where a little bit of "teacher thinking" with frameworks comes in handy!

Hello everyone, I'm writing this with a mind still buzzing with ideas and a notebook full of scribbles. I’ve just returned from two incredible days at the Bavarian International School’s City Campus, wholly immersed in a "Concept-Based Inquiry in Action" workshop led by the amazing Carla Marschall. We will ask ourselves:What attributes do we find in a concept-based curriculum?

Elevate your IB Primary Years Programme workshop! Get reflections, redesigned resources & practical tips for better PYP facilitation and participant engagement.

Drive student agency with learner-centered goal setting. Learn practical strategies, including WIN Time and co-creation, to empower students by focusing on the learning process over the product.

Bayern Munich are 2024/25 Bundesliga champions, reclaiming the title from Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen with two games to spare.

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Wondering how to improve your writing instruction and support student choice? This article covers the writing process, mentor texts, and bridging balanced literacy with the science of reading.

Discover how inquiry-based learning, combined with concept-based inquiry, empowers primary school students. Explore inductive approaches, transdisciplinary learning, and UDL

Struggling with dyslexia in your school? Learn how WIN Time can be a game-changer! This flexible, data-driven approach allows for personalized instruction, early intervention, and targeted support. Read more about how to implement these strategies and empower your students! #dyslexia #WINtime #education #specialeducation #readingintervention

Well miss you Grade 12! Good luck 💕🎓.

The Approaches to Learning (ATLs) are an integral part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. The IB is a widely recognized education system. It prepares students for success in a global context. The ATLs are designed to be incorporated into all subject areas. They are meant to be taught and assessed alongside content knowledge. The ATLs teach students how to learn.

The transdisciplinary themes remain the same and continue to be central to the structure of the program of inquiry (POI). The descriptors have moved from commonalities of human experience to a balance between human and natural worlds. Schools can begin using the new theme descriptors now. By September 2027, all PYP schools will be required to be using the new descriptors.

Navigating the Inquiry Continuum: A Comprehensive Guide to Using SOLO Taxonomy and Visible Thinking Routines Effective teaching demands a delicate balance between guided instruction and open inquiry. It ensures that students receive the necessary support. This approach also nurtures independent thinking and exploration. Educators can use the SOLO Taxonomy and Visible Thinking Routines effectively. This guides students through a transformative journey.

The Reggio Emilia approach, with its powerful metaphor of the "Hundred Languages of Children," provides a compelling framework for understanding the diverse ways children learn and express themselves. This philosophy posits that children possess a multitude of intelligences and ways of knowing that extend far beyond traditional verbal or written language. These "languages" encompass a rich tapestry of expressive forms, including:

Book Creator's Be An Author Month is a wonderful opportunity to empower primary students to discover their inner authors. This initiative guides young learners through the entire writing process. It starts from brainstorming and goes all the way to publishing, celebrating the power of their individual voices. Introducing Personal Narratives For primary students, personal narratives are a great starting point. These stories, rooted in their own experiences, allow them to connect with writing on a personal level.

I’ve recently co-facilitated this as a 2-day cluster workshop, and I’d like to share my experiences and offer some resources to help others. What Went Well: Adjustments Needed: Resources I’m …

On 15 February 2025, United States President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social and Twitter: "He who saves his country does not violate any law." The White House later reposted the statement on Twitte...

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Make sure you purchase a copy of my book Cooking Up Experiences In The Classroom: Focus On Experiences, Not Just Lessons from Amazon. Once you do that, listen to Alice Keeler school us on why educa…

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Social media always seems to be changing. Many tools have come and gone (I still remember with fondness my Google+ account) but many more ...

Mitchel Resnick—creator of Scratch and OctoStudio—shares how teachers can maximize students’ use of tech for creative purposes.