Spicewood Elementary School At the core of the PYP program lies the Learner Profile.
- Inquirers
- Knowledgeable
- Thinkers
- Communicators
- Principled
- Open-minded
- Caring
- Risk-takers
- Balanced
- Reflective
These ten attributes, valued by the IBO, develop an internationally minded person. Walk into any classroom on campus and you’ll see Spicewood students using the attributes to analyze characters in stories, reflect on themselves as learners, creating essential agreements for group projects, or setting personal goals. Even Spicewood’s vision embodies attributes of the Learner Profile.
PYP teachers help students develop these attributes by providing the space for students to explore and collaborate with their peers, in addition to personal time to investigate and reflect. Teachers support their students to be knowledgeable thinkers by making student thinking “visible”. Teachers document a variety of thinking routines and strategies to scaffold deeper student understanding. Students use graphic organizers, sticky notes, or other strategies to document the development of their thinking. These tools are used by both the teacher and students as knowledge is constructed within the unit of inquiry.
Benefits of making students’ thinking visible
- Learning is a consequence of thinking
- Instills a sense of curiosity and open mindedness
- Helps develops students thinking, communication, and social skills
- Creates a classroom culture that encourages cooperation and collaboration among peers