Collaboration in the MYP

Just like in the IB PYP (see last week's post), the IB MYP program students and teachers explore academic content with a focus on "soft skills" as well. These skills are called Approaches to Learning. The 10 skills are: communication, collaboration, organization, affective (emotional), reflection, information literacy, media literacy, critical thinking, creative thinking, and transfer (making connections between content areas).

Walking through the building this afternoon, the 6th period arts classes caught my attention. Devin & John, the visual arts teachers are working with the Thursday/Friday art class on transforming and modernizing a mural in one of the stairwells. If you look closely you can see sharpie outlines on the old composition. The 1st step in the transformation has begun.

I can see how they are using all 10 of the Approaches to Learning Skills for this project... can you??

What about in band class? Pictured below are the Skyline MYP instruments for Mr. Keyser's class. What Approaches to Learning Skills does it take for a group of people to make music together? In what ways will these skills help even the kids who decide to not pursue music in high school?

I would love to hear from you - please leave a comment below.

Warmly, Mrs. Earle

Collaboration comes in many colors.

Adults know the importance of collaboration. They use it every day at work, at home, on the freeway, in the grocery store...

It is a skill, and skills need to be learned. In the IB PYP program we teach transdisciplinary skills. The skills that will be essential for students as they grow into adult citizens of the world. The PYP transdisciplinary skills fall into five categories: social, communication, self-management, thinking, and research. 

In order to collaborate effectively, students are practicing the social skills of cooperation and respect while also using communication skills such as listening, speaking, and non-verbal communication.

In the pictures from our 2/3 classrooms below what OTHER skills have students used in order to collaborate? Can you "see" their learning?

Ms. Fuentes' class project 

in the science lab with Teacher Antoinette

writer's workshop peer editing with Teacher Tom

As we settle in to the routine of school, the K/1 students have already learned about

responsibility

creativity

and reflection

 in their first IB unit, "Who We Are" - Friendships Are Important in Our Lives.

Wondering what makes our middle schoolers smile????

...so was Ms. Kindred