PYP English Information Session

Wednesday afternoon, parents of the PYP found themselves in the International Conference Hall, gathering information about their children’s English language learning program.

In true PYP style, this presentation was collaboratively developed and delivered by all the teachers in PYP: Miss Laveena, Miss Pam, Miss Vee, Mr. Daniel, Mr. Ryan, Mr. Jordan S and Mr. Jordan R.

The aim of this information session was to provide parents with further information and examples of how English language learning takes place in the PYP. Some key topics presented on included:

⁃Language Purpose in PYP

⁃Unit of Inquiry Lessons

⁃English Language Lessons

⁃The Aspects of Language Learning

⁃PYP Scope and Sequence

⁃PYP Resources

⁃Assessment in the PYP

⁃The Stages of Language Acquisition

⁃English Support Classes

⁃Different Types of Learners

⁃Suggestions for Helping Children at Home

Some key understandings for this information session were:

⁃Language is most effective when developed in a meaningful context.

– English language learning is supported through the Units of Inquiry as well as through English lessons.

– English language use throughout the PYP is transdisciplinary.

– Students are exposed to English language in 21/34 lessons a week

⁃The PYP Scope and Sequence is based in conceptual understandings and supported with language standards and learning outcomes.

– The PYP uses a variety of resources to support language learning, including authentic literature, leveled readers, sight word lists, and teacher-created materials.

– PYP assessments include assessments prior to learning, of learning and for learning.

– Students move through phases of language acquisition at their own pace.

⁃It can take up to seven years in a full immersion environment to be at the level of native speakers.

– The PYP department offers grade level support classes for those students who need it.

– PYP Chinese language support decreases as the students move up in grades.

– Parents are encouraged to support their child’s English learning at home by reading with their child, making flashcards, singing English songs, and watching videos with appropriate English content.

The English Team supported their philosophies and key points with examples of student work in all three grades. These examples were present both in the PPT presentation and in table and wall displays outside the conference hall.

It is part of the PYP English Team’s goal to establish communication with the RFLS parent and school community. This English presentation was the second in a three-part series on PYP Parent Information Sessions. The Mandarin Information Session took place last week, and the Maths Information Session will take place next Wednesday, April 25th.