Welcome back to the Portledge PYP Corner! We are thrilled to share that our recent PYP consultation visit was a great success! The visiting consultant provided valuable feedback and highlighted the strengths of our community as we continue our journey toward PYP authorization. This visit marks an important step, and we are excited to move forward with the next phases of the authorization process. Thank you to our dedicated teachers, students, and families for your ongoing support and commitment to the PYP framework.
Wrapping Up Theme 1 “Who We Are”
Over the past few weeks, our students have been deeply engaged in exploring the theme "Who We Are." Students have been having deep conversations about likes and dislikes, goals for the future, and what makes them unique. This theme has offered opportunities for personal reflection and meaningful discussions, allowing students to better understand themselves and the world around them. As we wrap up this theme, we are incredibly proud of the growth our students have shown in their self-awareness and understanding of others.
Looking Ahead to Theme 2 “How We Organize Ourselves”
We are excited to begin our next PYP theme, "How We Organize Ourselves." This theme invites students to explore the systems and structures that shape our world, including how communities and organizations function. Students will inquire into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and their impact on daily life. Students will examine how people work together to meet their needs and solve problems. We look forward to the innovative and thoughtful questions our students will ask as they explore the ways we organize ourselves in the world.
Supporting the “How We Organize Ourselves” Theme at Home
As we begin this theme, there are many ways families can extend learning at home. Some ways include:
Creating Routines: Encourage children to participate in setting daily routines like bedtime, homework time, and meals. Discuss why these routines help keep the household organized and how they contribute to efficiency and well-being.
Chore Assignments: Assign age-appropriate household tasks and discuss the importance of roles within a family. This helps children understand how individuals contribute to the organization of a community or group.
Calendar and Planning: Involve children in family event planning using a shared calendar. This teaches them about time management, scheduling, and the importance of communication in keeping things running smoothly.
Family Meetings: Regular family meetings can serve as a forum for discussing upcoming events, resolving issues, and brainstorming ideas for improving family organization. Children can take turns leading the meetings.
Organizing Spaces: Help children organize their personal spaces, such as their bedroom or study area. Discuss the benefits of keeping things tidy and easily accessible.
Using Systems: Introduce children to simple systems like to-do lists, checklists, or even apps that help track tasks. Talk about how these systems make life easier and more efficient.
These activities can help children see connections between the organization at home and larger systems like schools, workplaces, and communities.
Upcoming STEAM Event
We are happy to invite you to join us for the Third Grade STEAM Event on Wednesday, October 23, at 8:45 a.m. Come see how the 3rd-grade students showcase their “Who We Are” unit while putting on a fantastic “show” inspired by Shark Tank! Our young innovators will be presenting their creative ideas and prototypes that could one day help change the world. Don’t miss out!
Thank you!
We look forward to another exciting phase of learning as we continue to explore the world through the PYP lens. Thank you for your continued support!
*NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS Portledge School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to, but is not limited to, educational policies, admission, financial aid, hiring and employment practices, use of school facilities, athletics, and other school-administered programs.