HSK K2 Learning Blog (2020-21)

  As children continue to grow and mature, their stamina for focus and attention increases. These self-management skills set a foundation for which learning occurs, but they are not the only factors that support learning and progress. Currently, even though group learning takes place online, teachers are always striving to provide a Zoom environment for children where they feel safe and confident to exercise agency. The PYP asserts: "...[learners with agency] use their own initiative and will, and take responsibility and ownership of their learning." Children are born with agency, and it is up to us adults to provide them with opportunities to make capable, self-driven choices. When children engage with people and resources in their virtual environment, they take initiative and are aware of their learning goals based on their interests and wonderings.  The PYP puts agency front and center as the core of all learning. It is made up of 3 parts: Voice  - Children can voice t...

   This week, the K2 children began tuning into the new Unit of Inquiry- Sharing the Planet. All units are important in supporting children to understand and process the world around them, and the unit Sharing the Planet is especially opportune in providing children a foundation of which to appreciate and protect the ever changing natural world around them. Here is key information for the unit: Central idea :  People are part of and can have an impact on the natural world. Lines of inquiry: How people and animals function as part of the natural world  (Function) How people bring about change in the natural world  (Change) People's choice and their impact on the natural world  (Responsibility) Approaches to learning :  Research  (information literacy);  Communication (exchanging information) Learner profile attributes :  Knowledgeable; Principled; Balanced If you would like to learn more about the above information along with some concret...

Welcome back everyone! I hope you've all had a restful and fun winter break, and staying warm especially in the past week! 🌬🌬 As we resume distance learning, teachers are looking forward to seeing the children again and have planned lots of engaging learning to support children's transition back into "school mode". I'm sure your child is also excited to see their friends and teachers on Zoom, and to share their winter break experiences with everyone! To support your child in transitioning from their holiday back into a school routine, you may consider the following tips: Have your child follow a daily routine as if they're going to school (i.e. get up from bed, brush teeth, get dressed in their school uniform, eat breakfast, sit down in a space ready to learn) Review expectations: remind your child there is a time and place for different behaviors; for example, during Zoom they need to practice focusing with whole body listening, and during free play time th...