Portledge in the Now.

PYP Mar. 2, 2025

Theme 4 “Sharing The Planet”

The Lower School is thoroughly enjoying our Sharing the Planet theme as we prepare for our upcoming World Day celebrations. This PYP Theme invites students to explore the relationships between living things, the environment, and the responsibilities we share in caring for our world. Each grade is engaging with unique inquiries that connect their learning to global ideas, fostering curiosity, empathy, and action!

Let’s take a look at how the Sharing the Planet theme looks at Portledge!
Kindergarten 

Central Idea: People make responsible choices to protect and preserve nature.

Kindergarten students are learning about protecting the US National Parks. Through stories, hands-on activities, and deep discussions, they are discovering the importance of preserving these natural spaces and the role people play in keeping them safe for future generations. 

First Grade

Central Idea: All living things are connected and depend on each other.

In first grade, students are exploring how living things are connected through the lens of Scotland’s culture. They are learning how plants, animals, and people rely on each other to survive- such as how Highland cows help maintain the grasslands. This idea of connection extends beyond nature to human innovation. Students are discovering how Alexander Graham Bell, a Scottish-born inventor, created the telephone, a tool that helps people stay connected across distances. Through this unit, students are building an understanding of how important connections shape our lives. 

Second Grade

Central Idea: Earth’s diverse land leads to diverse cultures.

The second graders are exploring the relationship between culture and landforms while focusing on the Philippines. Students are investigating how geographic features shape the way people live, daily life, and how communities adapt to their environment. Through inquiry-based learning, they are developing an understanding of the connection between land and human experiences while fostering an appreciation for diverse cultures.

Third Grade

Central Idea: Nature plays a vital role in shaping communities.

Third graders are diving into the role of water, using Egypt as a perfect case study. They are exploring how water has sustained civilizations throughout history, from the life-giving Nile River to modern-day water conservation challenges. As part of their inquiry, students are also investigating the water cycle, following the journey of water as it moves through evaporation, condensation, precipitation and collection. Ask them to sing you their new favorite song! 

Fourth Grade

Central Idea: Peace is fostered through respect and collaboration among communities.

In fourth grade, students are examining peace in Australia by exploring how environmental responsibility and cultural understanding contribute to peaceful societies. They are reflecting on how people and nations work together to protect natural resources and promote harmony. Students are also exploring the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the impacts of climate change. Through this inquiry, they are learning how human activities influence natural systems and how environmental stewardship plays a role in promoting peace and sustainability.

Fifth Grade 

Central Idea: Collaboration and responsible decision-making can lead to positive change in how we share finite resources and protect our planet.

Our fifth graders are investigating the importance of sharing finite resources. Students are making connections between their study of Jamaica and their novel, A Long Walk to Water. Through this inquiry students will explore issues of water scarcity, sustainability, and how global communities can work together to ensure equitable resource distribution. 

Join Our PYP Parent Cohort!

We are excited to launch a PYP Parent Cohort, a group dedicated to strengthening family engagement in our PYP journey. This group will meet to discuss ways to enhance parent involvement in our PYP learning and will also have the opportunity to meet with IB representatives during our Verification Visit in April. 

Our first gathering will be held on Friday, March 14th, and offers a chance to connect, learn more, and share ideas! If you are interested in joining, please email me! We look forward to partnering with you to support our students in becoming globally-minded learners! 

Thank you!
  • Colleen Burke, PYP Coordinator
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