Portledge in the Now.

PYP Nov. 17, 2024

Welcome back to the Portledge PYP Corner! In this edition, we will be focusing on our second (of six) transdisciplinary themes and seeing how this theme looks at Portledge. Our second transdisciplinary theme is How We Organize Ourselves. This theme examines the systems, structures, and organizations that shape our world and help communities function smoothly. From learning about community helpers and economic systems to understanding how individuals work together to solve common challenges, this theme encourages students to think critically about the roles people play in society. Through inquiry and collaboration, our students will gain insight and develop the skills needed to meaningfully contribute to their communities. Let’s take a look at how the How We Organize Ourselves theme looks at Portledge!

Kindergarten 
Central Idea: Communities are organized to help people work together and make the world a better place. 

Kindergarten is exploring the importance of working together in a community. They are learning about various community roles and responsibilities while discovering how each person can contribute to making the community function smoothly. The central idea focuses on how cooperation and teamwork help communities meet the needs of everyone. Through activities and role-playing, students experience how helping and sharing responsibilities builds a positive environment. By the end of the unit, they understand the value of collaboration and the ways they can contribute to their own community.

Kindergarten will be focusing on this Unit of Inquiry in their homeroom, science, and world language classes.

First Grade
Central Idea: People can organize systems to protect the Earth.

First Grade is exploring ways to protect the Earth through conservation and responsible action. They are learning about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling to keep both land and water environments clean and healthy. The central idea focuses on how people can work together to care for the planet and preserve it for future generations. Through hands-on activities and discussions, students discover the impact of pollution and how small actions can make a big difference. By the end of the unit, they understand their role in protecting natural resources and helping create a sustainable world.

First Grade will be focusing on this Unit of Inquiry in their homeroom, science, and PE classes. 

Second Grade
Central Idea: Location can influence communities.

Second Grade is exploring how location affects the way people live and connect with their environment. They are learning to read maps and understand the significance of geographic features, climate, and resources in shaping daily life. The central idea focuses on how people and communities adapt to and organize themselves according to their surroundings. Students are also discovering how adaptations help animals meet their needs in various locations. By the end of the unit, they gain an appreciation for diverse backgrounds and the importance of understanding where we come from.

Second Graders will be focusing on this Unit of Inquiry in their homeroom, science, and drama classes. 

Third Grade
Central Idea: Communities organize resources to meet their needs.

Third Grade is exploring how communities organize resources to meet their needs. They are learning how the Algonquians used natural resources such as wood, plants, and animals to build shelters, create tools, and sustain their way of life. The central idea focuses on understanding how resource management is essential for survival and community well-being. Through research and hands-on activities, students examine the ingenuity and environmental knowledge of the Algonquians. By the end of the unit, they appreciate how resourcefulness and respect for nature contribute to meeting a community’s needs. 

Third Grade will be focusing on this Unit of Inquiry in their homeroom, science, and library classes.

Fourth Grade
Central Idea: Tourism can have both positive and negative impacts.

Fourth Grade is exploring how tourism impacts the economy and the role that physics plays in tourism experiences. They are learning how tourist attractions, such as amusement park rides or natural landmarks, use principles of physics to create exciting and memorable experiences. The central idea focuses on understanding how tourism generates economic growth and jobs while also requiring careful planning and resource management. Students study examples of how destinations attract visitors and the positive and negative effects tourism can have on local communities. By the end of the unit, they understand the interconnectedness of science, economy, and sustainable tourism.

Fourth Grade will be focusing on this Unit of Inquiry in their homeroom, science, and library classes. 

Fifth Grade 
Central Idea: Organization can help communities achieve their goals. 

Fifth Grade is exploring the importance of organization in creating effective and sustainable systems. Students are learning how organized systems allow for efficiency, collaboration, and resilience. Through real-world examples and activities, students analyze how organization impacts everything from writing a paragraph to entire ecosystems. By the end of the unit, they appreciate how structured systems, whether in nature or society, rely on interconnected parts to function effectively.

Fifth Grade will be focusing on this Unit of Inquiry in their literacy, social studies, and science classes. 

Home Connections
We invite families to continue these conversations at home by exploring the ways your own family organizes daily life and making connections between home and our community. Together, we’re nurturing thoughtful, engaged citizens who are ready to make a positive impact on the world around them. 

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us as we learn and grow!
  • Colleen Burke, PYP Coordinator
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