PYP+Unpack+Group

- Fantastic online PYP resources: [|What Ed Said]: A Blog about learning and Inquiry [|PYP Threads]: The discussion forum especially [|The OCC]: Again, the forums are a fantastic place to explore and (possibly) have questions answered - Inquiry: the PYP framework promotes guided (or structured) inquiry. Questions that fall outoside of the conceptual realm of the central idea should be creatively managed outside of class time (eg. in library time or for homework). Promoting the inquiry stance should always be the priority, but with so much to cover and so little time to cover it ine.. - Language ability: challenges with regards to having to assess and report out on kids that aren't even able to speak yet. Can we assess them in Arabic? Not for the four core disciplines that classroom teachers are responsible for: ELA, Math, Social Science and Science. - Try to keep an open mind. Certain challenges are a result of the fact that we are a developing school, and we have made significant progress especially in the last couple of years.
 * Session 2:** October 9, 2012
 * Present:** Missy, Susan, Shanelle, Paul, Martina, Adele, Glenn
 * Discussion:**

- Try and keep track of PYP/ENS questions that come up so that we can discuss them at our next session (unpack group) - Make sure that while you may not be at the centre of the unit planning process, that you don't tune out. It's important stuff, and you'll pick it up in time - if you are paying attention.. (unpack group)
 * Action:**

- Discussion forum: topics to be generated or requested by the group
 * Next Meeting:** Tuesday October 30

- First impressions: Difficulties with language ability; some dissconnect between the sophistication/expectations of the program and the skill level of the students. - Areas in need of support: Inquiry, documentation - Documentation: looked at stage 1 and 2 of the PYP planner; looked at and discussed the Program of Inquiry - Facilitation/delivery: first thing to do is cut down teacher talk time - get students discussing/generating/collaborating as soon as possible. Work towards letting the students share ownership in driving the lesson/unit - Structure of PYP program: - Jargon: POI; Unit of Inquiry; IB; PYP; MYP; DP; concept-based curriculum and instruction; key concepts
 * Session 1:** September 18, 2012
 * Present:** Evan, Ahmad, Shanelle, Adele, Martina, Phillip, Paul, Charlton, Susan, Misaal, Josephine, Mr Gustav, Glenn
 * Discussion:**

- In preparation for our next session, have a browse through the inquiry-based web pages listed below. Find an interesting/relevant/engaging post and be prepared to share it with the group on October 2..
 * Action:**

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- Inquiry-based learning and instruction: what it looks/feels/sounds like..
 * Next session:**