Early Years!

During our PYP New Family Orientation, we had a few questions about the programme.  One question that kept arising was how to engage in discussion with my child about what they are learning, if I don’t know what they are learning - how can I help? 
Just to make it clear for new parents:

1.  Parents should receive a unit letter every 6 weeks giving you an overview of a unit.  On this slide teachers provide links/videos/texts to help you have a deeper discussion at home.
2. EY parents receive an e-letter every Friday notifying them of upcoming events.  This again, is an opportunity to discuss with your child - what is coming up in class or how did it go?
3. Attend PYP Workshops to gain a better understanding of the programme.
4. Ask your child’s point of contact, how your child is doing; make an appointment.
5. Share any action (something that your child does at home) with your child’s point of contact person.

Another recurring question was, if my child asks me questions how should I respond?

• Give your self time to think and formulate responses. Waiting 5-10 seconds will lead to longer, more complex answers.  Refrain from answering your own question, which will only communicate to your child that if they do not answer, you will do their thinking for them.
• Wait for your child to finish an idea before interjecting. You may find yourself wanting to interrupt because you think you know what the student is going to say, or simply because you are passionate about the material. Resist this temptation. 
• Show interest in all answers. Encourage your child when they are offering answers by nodding, looking at them, and using facial expressions that show you are listening. 
• Develop responses that will keep your child thinking. Resist the temptation to simply respond with praise or censure. Allow other students to provide a critique if it is warranted, and continue to ask probing/guiding questions. For example, ask the rest of the class to respond to an idea that one student has just presented, or ask the student who answered to explain the thinking that led to their answer.
• Start a wonder wall at home.

Yours sincerely,
​Miss Lisa Hughes