IB Candidate School Newsletter

Balanced & Open Mindedness Risk Takerand Knowledgeable

Being WELLBALANCED
are not a program. They are a central part of the work of the PYP; they represent its aims, drive the curriculum framework, and are a central component to the process of assessment. Success in achieving the Learner Profile depends on more than just curriculumit depends on a variety of factors: the schools culture, the schools climate, the students, the example of adults, the resources, the staffing policy, the language policy, the special needs policy, the schools commitment to reflection and extension. people we are nurturing (IBO, 2000).

dont have time to work

out. I havent read a book for pleasure in a long time. I wasnt good at math when I was in schoolwhy should my kids be any good? Were just too busy. Hobbies, who has time for hobbies? I dont have time to go to the doctor. These are all familiar phrases Ive said or heard others say in the last few months. All are indicative of the need for balance in our lives. Being well balanced is an important life skillone worthy of development and attention even as our children are growing. According to the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB-PYP), WELL BALANCED people understand the importance of physical and mental balance and personal well-being (IBO, 2000).

How can parents help to develop students who are wellbalanced at home?
Encourage your child to participate in a wide variety of structured activities. Encourage them to be involved with other kids in any sporting activity outside of schoolfootball, tennis, karate, swimming, etc. Spend time playing physical games with your child for about 30 minutes a day badminton, walking, playing catch, bike riding, hiking, etc. Read books on physical education, exercise, nutrition, fitness, the arts, and so on. During less structured time, also be aware of the activities that your child is participating in. Too much time in front of the computer, video games, movies, or television is obviously not desirable, but all kids need to do a variety of things. Generally active kids should take time for quiet reading or reflection; students who spend a lot of time drawing or reading, should be encouraged to also exercise and play. Discuss the food groups with your child and spend a few minutes during a mealtime deciding if what your family is eating is balanced.

2. The Profile is value laden.

While the statement sounds controversial, staff at our IB-PYP school would say that this is true, for this kind of learning is what the PYP values, its what the PYP stands for, and it is the embodiment of what international education is all about (IBO, 2000). The Profile represents the type of person wed be proud to send out into the adult worldregardless of location, wealth, occupation, culture, and so on.

A few common misconceptions regarding the Learner Profile:

1. The Profile is a nice character building program.
While the Profile does build attributes of solid character, they

3. International students study flags, countries, food, and festivals.

There is merit in studying different cultures; however, the Profile exemplifies the ideal international student. In seeking internationalism in our school we need to look first at what our students are learning, at the

Volume I; Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving Issue IX Albert Einstein

Model the attributes. Spend time as a parent or family doing many different things and catch your child being well-balanced. Make sure your child knows he/she has done something good; express your approval to reinforce each Profile.

People who are knowledgeable understand the structure of languages and the various influences on its development. They have experienced a wide variety of literature.

How can parents help to develop students who are knowledgeable?

Encourage your child to read books at home that correspond with the topics being covered in school. In particular, books in their mother tongue will help your child make more meaningful, lasting connections to what is being taught in their classroom in English. Ask your child about what they are learning in school and engage them in conversations about it by asking questions such as, Why do you think that is an important thing to know about? or, Can you think of anything happening in the world today that might be similar to that aspect of History? or, Youre learning about pulleys and gears at school? This reminds me of your simple machines unit in grade 2 have you noticed any similarities? How is what youre learning different? Foster any area that your child expresses an interest in with books and activities, but also be sure to encourage them to explore other areas. Encourage your child to become familiar with current events and to read the newspaper and watch the news when appropriate. Catch your child being knowledgeable. Make sure your child knows he/she has done something good. Expressing your approval is a powerful way to reinforce each profile.

KNOWLEDGEBLE

KNOWLEDGEABLE --in MATHEMATICS

But how do you know?

children often ask. As we mature and grow, we begin to question the idea of knowing. We want to know not only who possesses knowledge and how people show others how we know. This knowledge includes the notion of intelligence and awareness of this intelligence. It begins when students can say of themselves or others, Wow, am I smart! or, Wow, are they smart!
According to the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB-PYP), KNOWLEDGEABLE people have spent time in our schools exploring themes, which have global relevance and importance. In doing so, they have acquired a critical mass of significant knowledge (IBO, 2000).

Knowledgeable people know about a coherent body of interconnected mathematical understandings and the role of mathematics in the development of science, technology, and society in general.

KNOWLEDGEABLE --in Science & Technology

Those who are knowledgeable have a body of significant scientific knowledge and an understanding of important concepts.

KNOWLEDGEABLE --in Social Studies

Knowledgeable people have acquired a body of knowledge and developed a depth of understanding about how the social world works, including its systems and institutions. They also understand the needs, rights, and responsibilities of individuals and groups. Students who are knowledgeable have explored relevant and significant concepts and can remember what they have learned. They can draw on this knowledge and apply it in new situations.

The Learners Profile provides powerful goals in all areas of learning, which serve, in the broadest sense, as aims of the curriculum:

KNOWLEDGEABLE--in Language Arts

Volume I; Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving Issue IX Albert Einstein