IB NEWS
Issue: 2 March 2025
WHAT IS INTERNATIONAL MINDEDNESS?
International mindedness is a view of the world in which people see themselves connected to the global community and assume a sense of responsibility towards its members. By starting with the IB Learner Profiles here at Cullen, we have started to lay a foundation for our students to become internationally minded.
We teach these qualities not just as academic ideals, but as life skills that empower students to navigate an interconnected world with empathy and understanding. By embracing the IB Learner Profile, we aim to cultivate wellrounded individuals who contribute positively to our diverse global community.
WHAT IS TRANSDISCIPLINARY EDUCATION?
Transdisciplinar y education goes beyon d tra ditional subjec t boun daries, providin g a h olistic approa ch to learnin g. It en coura ges students to explore real-world issues an d develop skills that exten d beyon d in dividual disciplin es In th e PYP, it's about breakin g down th e walls between subjec ts, fosterin g a seamless integration of kn owledge f rom various domains
KEY ELEMENTS OF TRANSDISCIPLINARY LEARNING
Real-World Issues:
Transdisciplinary learning is rooted in real-world challenges By addressing authentic problems, students develop a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of subjects and their applications in the world.
Inquiry-based Learning:
Through inquiry-based learning, we encourage curiosity and independent thinking. Students learn to ask questions, seek answers, and develop a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.
Global Citizenship:
Transdisciplinary education aligns with the PYP's goal of creating globallyminded citizens. Students engage with diverse perspectives, fostering cultural awareness and empathy, essential qualities for navigating our interconnected world.
THE BENEFITS
Engagement:
Transdisciplinary learning allows students to explore their interests which, in turn, makes learning meaningful and relevant This engagement promotes a positive attitude towards education and a lifelong love of learning.
Holistic Development:
Along with academic achievement, your child will develop into a well-rounded individual with a deep sense of inquiry, adaptability, and a global perspective
Preparation for the Future:
Our world is changing rapidly The ability to connect knowledge across disciplines is a valuable skill Transdisciplinary education equips your child with the tools needed to face the challenges of the future with confidence
MOVING RIGHT ALONG
Our teachers have been busy creating our next Units of Inquiry (POI) We are definitely starting to see components of IB around the school and in classrooms
KINDER WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE FOR EACH GRADE LEVEL
Theme: Sharing the Planet
Central Idea: We are responsible for protecting and sharing the planet.
Learner Profiles:
Caring- We will read a variety of texts and show pictures to reflect on how we can affect the planet.
Inquirers- We will use research to ask questions. We can create KWL charts before researching
Reflective- We will create a project to express understanding of how we impact the world We will analyze findings through science experiments and discussions
1ST
Theme: Where We Are in Place and Time
Central Idea: Personal histories create diverse communities and global traditions
Learner Profiles:
Communicators- Students will defend their votes for their favorite landmark
Open-Minded- Students will be aware and respect diverse backgrounds
Knowledgeable- Students will research and create a timeline Students will identify different bodies of water in the community and describe attributes
2ND
Theme: How We Organize Ourselves
Central Idea: People use tools such as rulers, graphs, and graphic organizers (including food chains and life cycles) to organize information
Learner Profiles:
Caring- Students will learn to have empathy for others and their different cultural traditions.
Open-Minded- Students will appreciate their culture and honor those of others. They will try new experiences.
Reflective- Students will think about how their choices affect others and the environment
WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE FOR EACH GRADE LEVEL
Theme: How the World Works
Central Idea: Interdependence sustains survival in the natural world.
Learner Profiles:
Caring- Consider the impact of human actions on the world and its systems
Principled- Recognize the responsibility in using resources and protecting the environment
Inquirers- Looking at our environment and asking how we can make things better for ourselves and future generations
4TH 3RD
Theme: Who we are
Learner Profiles: Open-minded, Inquirers, Reflective
Central Idea: Understanding our values, beliefs, and customs help us shape our identity and connect with others.
Engaging Learning Experience:
Classes will compare internal and external characteristics of characters in fiction texts (and science)
Students will write personal narratives about themselves
Graphing (parts of a graph)- asking questions to each other to record data
5TH
Theme: How We Express Ourselves
Central Idea: Does the central idea invite inquiry and support students’ conceptual understandings of the transdisciplinary theme?
Learner Profiles:
Open-Minded- Be open-minded about how people express themselves through art
Communicators- Presenting their exhibition
Risk-Takers- Creating some form of art based on their research.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
VICTORIA ZIMMERMAN
Hello! I am your IB coordinator and I am so excited to be on this journey here at Cullen ES. This will be my 19th year in education. I have taught Pre-K, 1st grade, 4th grade ELAR, and 5th grade ELAR. I have spent the last 3 years being an instructional coach. I just completed my 10th year here in Hays CISD.
I received both my undergrade and masters at Texas State University.
UPCOMING EVENTS
In the Den with CES- Join us for our 1st podcast on April 1st
IB International Fair (TBD)
5th Grade Exhibition (TBD)
STILL CURIOUS ABOUT IB?
Please feel free to contact me victoria.zimmerman@hayscisd.net (512)268-8449 (43204)