We are back. We are all back somewhat, somehow in these strange times. For the last two years, I have been teaching and leading in person, with masks on in two different states. It’s exhausting. It’s working, pretty much, but exhausting for all. One thing I’ve been thinking about lately is the why. I’ve always […]

This week, we tackled central ideas during the PYP Exhibition. I continue to have a love-hate relationship with the creation of central ideas. Before jumping into the creation of central ideas, we had a discussion in class about the importance of central ideas. I asked about central ideas in different subjects they have. I had […]

This is a different type of post-not focused on curriculum–but on privilege. During Spring Break, I have been listening to Brené Brown’s Podcast on “Dare to Lead,” with some inspiring leaders and discussions about diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. I also had the pleasure of talking with Kimberly Mitchell, an inquiry-inspired educator, and in telling […]

How does it all connect? That was the theme of this week during the PYP Exhibition, the last week before Spring Break. Definitely some focus issues going on (with students and with the teacher :)), and I think we will revisit some of the ideas after the break. Now that students have chosen their “topic” […]

Week 2-3 into our deep dive in the PYP Exhibition. One thing I’ve realized after facilitating the PYP Exhibition for so long is that students should be encouraged to choose their personal inquiry, not only based on their interest and a local/global connection, but also based on action. I know action has always been at […]

I’m back in the classroom, grade 5, new school, new country and it’s PYPX time. It is one of my favorite times of the year, and I think that, despite the challenges, the additional work, the energy of the students and keeping it focused, it’s also a time of: real collaboration thinking outside the classroom […]

“Mean people suck.” I used to have this sticker on my guitar case, a sticker that came with the case. I don’t think I ever really got it, but I do now, and lately, I’ve been thinking it should have read “People suck.” However, there is light…. Today, our daughter, Ceci, graduated from high school. […]

I don’t want to put the words into the title, words I had never heard until January, “coronavirus” and of course, “Covid19”. And now, I now can’t get them out of my head. I’ve had blog posts percolating constantly in my head but I am coming out of anxiety enough now to write down a […]

The PYP is a transdisciplinary program, and in theory, that’s all fine. The themes are transdisciplinary in nature, and you can see how a PE unit, a Mathematics unit, Visual Arts, etc… can all work together on the themes and descriptors. In practice it’s a lot more challenging. Over the last few years, We’ve been […]