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Learning Walls That Breathe Inquiry: Making ATL Skills Visible in the PYP

atl skills ibpyp inquiry cycle learning walls student led inquiry unit of inquiry

Learning Walls That Breathe Inquiry: Making ATL Skills Visible in the IB PYP Classroom

Learning walls are living, breathing spaces for inquiry. They go far beyond decoration. They act as a third teacher, shaping thinking, talk, and reflection. Over my years as a PYP teacher, I’ve learned that when the classroom environment becomes a partner in learning, it transforms how children see themselves as thinkers, questioners, and collaborators. Please enjoy the examples of my inquiry boards/learning walls from my classroom over the years. Ive linked the units of inquiry below, if you'd like a closer look.

What Makes a Learning Wall Come Alive?

A true learning wall is organic and flexible, evolving as learners’ questions, discoveries, and understandings grow. It’s not a teacher-owned disp...

Unpacking Project Based Learning in the IB PYP

concept based inquiry creative math ibpyp inquiry based math project based learning unit of inquiry

Unpacking Project-Based Learning for the IB PYP: A Concept-Based, Transdisciplinary Approach

Consider all the benefits of experiential learning and the myriad ways it reaches ALL learners and learning styles. This is why I love authentic inquiry-based projects for ALL disciplines and project-based learning (PBL) is just another powerful way to engage students in the inquiry cycle, enhancing their research skills and connecting their learning to real-world issues. In the IB PYP, inquiry-based math projects offer powerful opportunities for students to explore math in a way that connects to real-world issues Let’s look at how the PBL approach can be adapted for the IB PYP classroom within our concept-based, transdisciplinary approach to teaching.

I have provided several examples for both upper and lower grades. Read on to find high-engagement ideas for your students' age and ability level.

Why Project Based Inquiry?

I create inquiry-based projects and activities for my students b...