SWC #1: Unpacking the Central Idea in Early Years

One of the hardest things that most PYP teachers face is unpacking the central idea, especially if it is filled with concepts.  I know this has been a challenge for me over the years.  

I discovered some hacks while being a PYP coordinator and independent consultant that I now apply back into my classroom.  Use pictures and words to share the story of the central idea. 

What do I mean by this?  Simply, use concrete words and pictures that help learners to access the central idea in their own way.  Variety is key.  

For the early years, I use many pictures.  They paint a better picture of how it looks and feels in practice.  Here is an example from the inquiry wall of Ms. Wiltz, my former kindergarten teacher at Foster Elementary in Houston, Texas. 

Together, we unpacked this central idea to be kid-friendly.  Awareness is when you get an idea and you stop to think about it.  We get many ideas, but awareness is when we understand how the idea works.  Self is all about me and knowing my impact on others.  Choices are things that we make or do, some are good and others are not so good. 

Ms. Wiltz worked the entire unit to help her learners understand that awareness is truly knowing ourselves and the choices that we make.  Sometimes, we make choices by accident, which we call mistakes.  It's okay to make mistakes, because they help us grow.  What is not okay is when we purposely making bad choices when we know the consequences. 

The power of a central idea is when you can take action from it.  Ms. Wiltz asked her learners, what are some choices that you made that you knew were good and not so good.  Would you make the same choices again?  What would you do differently?

The power of the central idea is creating change in our learners.  How does your central idea reflect the conceptual ideas within your unit?  How to they lead your learners to action?