IB Primary Years Programme Update
March 2019 - What's Happening in the PYP at Wade King?
Wade King Elementary School
Email: hana.anderson@bellinghamschools.org
Website: wadeking.bellinghamschools.org
Location: 2155 Yew Street Road, Bellingham, WA, USA
Phone: (360) 647-6840
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WadeKingElementary/
Twitter: @wadekingelem
Kindergarten - How the World Works
Central Idea: Scientists observe the world around them
Our kindergarteners are engaged in an inquiry into framing questions and methods of data collection. They are scientists with LOTS of questions about the world around them! Mrs. Anderson, our PYP Coordinator and Technology Coach, helped our kindergarteners make a video to share their learning. This video was part of our Monday School Meeting this week. You'll be impressed by the things our kindergarteners are curious about!
First Grade - How the World Works
Central Idea: Matter with which we interact exists in three fundamental states: liquids, solids, and gases
This is an inquiry into the properties and behaviors of solids, liquids, and gases, as well as observing, describing, and recording observations. Our first graders have been learning to write lab reports as they conduct experiments to learn about three states of matter. One experiment was to make 'high quality playdough' by mixing liquids and solids. Last week, they went on a field trip to the WWU Chemistry Department and this week, they were cooking. Both of these experiences furthered their understanding of liquids, solids, and gases.
Second Grade - How We Express Ourselves
Central Idea: Traditional tales are used to teach lessons.
This is an inquiry into the features and themes of traditional tales, understanding lessons, and the methods of problem-solving in traditional tales. Second graders have been reading and comparing MANY traditional tales. They can tell you all about the characteristics of tricksters in these stories and can show you the illustration they made of their favorite trickster. Earlier this week, they performed a musical, 'Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock' for their families with the support of Mrs. Norman, our music teacher.
Third Grade - Where We Are In Place and Time
Central Idea: Indigenous cultures change over time.
This is an inquiry into the relationship between indigenous people and their environment, effects of change over time of indigenous people, and similarities between various indigenous cultures around the world. Third graders began this unit by unpacking their understanding about indigenous cultures around the world during several provocation activities and class discussions. As the unit has progressed, the third graders have learned more about the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, and how these cultures have changed over time. Next week, they will be going on a field trip to the Lightcatcher Museum to engage in deeper learning about the Coast Salish people.
Fourth Grade - How We Express Ourselves
Central Idea: People use poetry to express their ideas, emotions, and beliefs
This is an inquiry into the forms of poetry, the purpose and value of poetry, as well as aspects of the poet's craft. Our fourth graders have been reading and writing many different kinds of poems and have learned from a guest poet. Many of their poems are hanging in the hall. Be sure to check them out!
Fifth Grade - How We Express Ourselves
Central Idea: Ideas, feelings, beliefs, and values are expressed when people align themselves with issues, movements and causes.
Our fifth graders have completed their Exhibition unit of inquiry! The Exhibition is an in-depth research action project, during which students worked in small, collaborative groups to utilize the inquiry process and research a topic they were passionate about. Students also decided how they could take action based on their learning. When their inquiry was complete, Exhibition Groups shared their learning by presenting to Wade King students in their classrooms and to families during our Exhibition Night. This year Exhibition Night was on Wednesday, March 20th from 6:30-7:30 pm.
Mandarin Minute
During our school Monday Morning Meetings, we often practice vocabulary or phrases students have recently learned in Mandarin. This is a way for our entire school community to learn together. This is one of our recent Mandarin Minutes. Enjoy!