Have you ever paused to think, “What’s the point of ‘related concepts’ in the PYP curriculum?” You’re not alone; it’s a common question among educators. So, how can we clarify this element and make it work for us in the classroom,
Related concepts can serve as powerful tools to deepen understanding and stimulate student curiosity.
In the PYP framework, there are 7 key concepts designed to be broad enough to encompass various topics and contexts. These serve as lenses through which we explore the central idea and make connections across disciplines. On the other hand, related concepts dive deeper, helping students gain a deep understanding of individual disciplines.
In the context of sharing the planet, students are currently exploring ecosystems.
Central Idea: The balance of an ecosystem depends on the interdependence among its components.
To delve into this central idea, students are exploring key concepts such as connection, causation, and responsibility.
One of the related concepts, interdependence, helps students grasp the scientific principles of biotic and abiotic systems, and how they rely on each other within an ecosystem.
Additionally, studying balance in Social Studies allows students to understand the impact of human actions on environmental balance.
Another related concept, information, encourages students to explore various ways of presenting information, aligning with language arts’ focus on informational genre and math’s data handling.
When planning our units, it’s crucial to look at the learning outcomes or standards in two dimensions: vertically across grades and horizontally within the same grade. Why? It helps us identify related concepts that can add layers of depth to what students are learning.
This approach also frees up the curriculum. Instead of panicking about how to fit in every piece of content, we create space for deeper, more meaningful student inquiry. For instance, if Grade 1 students are learning about basic geometric shapes, introducing the related concept of ‘symmetry’ can pave the way for more advanced studies in Grade 3 or 4, where they might explore the related concepts of tessellations or reflections in math and art. This creates a smoother learning trajectory, making education more engaging and effective.
So, there you have it—related concepts aren’t just fancy jargon, but practical tools that can enrich our teaching and amplify student learning. If you’re interested in digging deeper, I’ve got a go-to resource for you. Check out the links below, which offer actionable tips and strategies to make the most out of related concepts in your classroom.
Interested in taking your teaching practices to the next level? If you’d like to explore these ideas further or get personalized support, feel free to reach out and book a coaching call with me! Contact me on LinkedIn or use this link (https://theorganizedchaosinthepypclassroom.wordpress.com/contact/)
The Organized Chaos In The PYP Classroom 
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