I recently had the opportunity to attend the Asia/Pacific IB Global Conference in Adelaide, Australia. The conference was truly inspiring, and I am grateful for the support of Dr. Pang, Mme. Du and the Administration at CISH for making it possible. Among the many sessions I attended, one of the most profound was led by Mr. Josh Blue, the Principal at Japanese International School, HKSAR, on The Materials of Storytelling: Invitations of agency, self and identity for all learners. Mr. Blue's insights on how storytelling can help young learners develop a strong sense of self and identity were particularly impactful, and I am excited to implement some of his ideas in my own work with students.
As the PYP Coordinator of Early Years, it is my responsibility to ensure that all learners are given the tools and resources they need to develop a strong sense of self and identity. This is essential to the success of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), which places great emphasis on the development of the whole child.
One way we achieve this is through the use of storytelling materials. Storytelling is a powerful tool that allows children to explore their own identities, experiences, and beliefs, while also developing important language and social skills.
In order to facilitate this process, we encourage our students to explore a wide range of materials and resources, including picture books, abstract materials, and loose parts. By providing a diverse array of storytelling materials, we are able to tap into the unique experiences and backgrounds of each individual child.
One of the most important concepts we explore in our storytelling materials is translanguaging. Language is not simply about grammar and syntax, but rather about the way we express ourselves and our identity. By exploring the unique idiolect of each child, we are able to create an inclusive and welcoming environment that celebrates diversity.
We use a variety of picture books to help children explore abstract concepts and create their own stories. For example, books like "Du Iz Tak" and "Not a Stick" allow children to explore the symbolic language of play, while books like "This is Our House" and "Roxaboxen" help build community and inclusivity.
Other resources we use include loose parts, which allow children to create their own stories using a wide range of materials, and wordless books like "Tuesday" and "The Jacket," which invite children to use their own imaginations to create a narrative.
Ultimately, the materials of storytelling are essential to the success of the PYP, as they provide children with the tools and resources they need to explore their own identities, develop language and social skills, and build a strong sense of community and inclusivity. By embracing the diverse experiences and backgrounds of each child, we are able to create an environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.
- PYP Coordinator of Early Years- Angela Lee
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