PYP Corner
From the PYP Coordinator's Desk...
I hope you are all doing well and keeping warm and healthy as we have entered the winter months, insha Allah
Alhamdulillah, our first term of the year came to a close with a reflection of our learning and growth during the Parent-Teacher-Student conferences last month. This three-way format of the conferences gives parents the opportunity to see student agency, which teachers are fortunate to witness daily in the classroom. Student agency is an IB principle characterized by student voice, choice, and ownership over their learning. You can also think of this like students taking initiative as well as an active role in their learning
At our school, teachers collaborate to find ways incorporate student agency into their units. Students are also encouraged to show agency in different ways both in and out of the classroom. Further down, you can find some examples of students demonstrating agency in term one.
Throughout the school year, teachers will foster an environment where students can develop their voice, choice, and ownership in their learning, insha Allah.
Examples of Student Agency at TA from Last Term!
- A fifth grader created a presentation about how the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) demonstrated each of the Learner Profile attributes and shared it during morning assembly.
- Fourth grade took inspiration from an idea for an action related to their inquiry into genetics and held a "Cookies for Chromosomes" fundraising event. Money raised from cookie sales was donated to the Global Downs Syndrome Foundation.
- Students in third grade proposed raising money for swings for the new playground. They are selling handmade goods as a fundraiser for this goal.
- Second grade students developed proposals for an action related to their Unit of Inquiry theme "Sharing the Planet." One student chose to write a letter to Trader Joe's asking them to reduce the amount of flexible plastic they use in their packaging. She received a response and shared it with the school at morning assembly.
- In art, first graders co-constructed learning with Ms. Karam by choosing to learn how to draw self-portraits.
- After learning about living things and their needs, a kindergarten student visited a pet store with his family to learn about how to care for animals.
PYP Exhibition
The PYP Exhibition is like the finale of the IB Primary Years' Programme that takes place in fifth grade. Students will choose a topic of GLOBAL significance that is important to them, research it, and present it to family and friends. Historically, this has been an intense and highly positive experience for the school.
Please stay tuned for more updates about this special experience.
What We are Learning
Our units are intended to be "transdisciplinary" which means that where it is possible, other subjects will connect to the UOI either through the theme, topic, or key concept.
Kindergarten
How the World Works
Central Idea: Motion is impacted by force.
Lines of Inquiry
- Push and Pull (Function)
- Gravity as a force (Change)
- Collision, Force, and Energy (Causation)
1st Grade
How the World Works
Central Idea: Patterns in the natural world can be observed, described, and predicted.
Lines of Inquiry
- How humans use tools to learn (Function)
- How patterns can be identified (Change)
- How cycles help us understand the world (Causation)
2nd Grade
Central Idea: Living things experience change through stages of growth.
Lines of Inquiry
- Life cycles and how they change over time (Change)
- Similarities and differences in the way that living things grow and change (Connection)
- Factors that can influence life cycles (Causation)
3rd Grade
Central Idea: People innovate and design to solve problems.
Lines of Inquiry
- The purpose for inventions (Causation)
- The design cycle (Form)
- How solutions impact design (Perspective)
4th Grade
Central Idea: Peace and conflict affects societies and influences the actions of individuals.
Lines of Inquiry
- Causes of conflict (Causation)
- Strategies to maintain peace and resolve conflict (Function)
- How peace and conflict affect us (Responsibility)
5th Grade
Central Idea: The sources of energy we use affect the natural and human environment.
Lines of Inquiry:
- Fossil fuels and global warming (Causation)
- Effect of fossil fuels on environment and human health (Connection)
- Renewable Energy (Responsibility)
Shabana Ahmed
Email: sahmed@tarbiyahacademy.org
Website: www.tarbiyahacademy.org
Location: 6785 Business Parkway, Elkridge, MD, USA
Phone: 844-827-2492