Shepherd's IB Monthly
Globally-Engaged * Compassionate * Lifelong Learners
Alexander R. Shepherd's Programme of Inquiry
Here is our programme of inquiry that includes all of the units throughout the year!
Learner Profile Attribute and Approach to Learning Skill of the Month
IB Learner Profile Attribute of the Month:
Principled
We are courageous and determined. We work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and strategies.
IB Approach to Learning Skill of the Month: Research Skills
This includes:
Information-Literacy Skills
Media-Literacy Skills
Ethical Use of Media/Information
Upcoming Events
PK4 IB Showcase: Black and Wax Museum, Friday, February 6
Mardi Gras Celebration, Tuesday, February 17
Black History and IB Assembly, Tuesday, February 24
IB Parent Academy Resource
Shepherd ES has a matrix called "RIDE" that also connects to the learner profile attributes!
R- Respect: Caring, Open-Minded, Communicator
I- Integrity: Principled, Thinker
D- Discipline: Balanced, Reflective
E- Effort: Knowledgeable, Inquirer, Risk-Taker
Each month at Shepherd, we focus on a different learner profile attribute! Here are some ways to support developing the learner profile in your student at home!
February- Principled
We act with integrity and honesty. We have a strong sense of fairness and justice and respect others. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.
Involve your child in deciding on the rules for a game or activity and then ensure that they stick to the ones that have been decided upon.
Encourage your child to play games that involve teams. Discuss with your child the qualities of a team player. What sort of person would they wanton their team?
When your child wins a game insist that he or she is a well-mannered winner. They might want to thank their opponent, wave or shake hands with them if that is appropriate.
When playing a game, don’t change the rules or let your child win. Being a gracious loser is just as important as being a good winner.
IB Trips
Our IB trips have been so much fun!! The kids are making unforgettable memories and making connections to their learning! Please see some highlights from our 3rd grade trip to Philly on November 7, and our 4th grade trip to NYC on November, 14. We are looking forward to going to Williamsburg on Friday, April 3rd with 5th grade!
Statue of Liberty
Ellis Island
Students learned about the immigrant experience through exhibits
One World Observatory
Enjoyed breathtaking 360-degree views of New York City from the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Explored interactive exhibits, snapped unforgettable photos, and experienced the thrill of the Sky Pod elevator.
Franklin Institute
Discovered the wonders of science and innovation with a visit to the Franklin Institute Museum in Philadelphia, where interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences bring learning to life.
Betsy Ross House
Students can toured the historic house to learn about Betsy Ross and the 18th century through costumed interpreters, period-furnished rooms, and interactive exhibits.
Liberty Bell
Students saw the Liberty Bell and learned about the bell's journey and its significance.
IB Showcases
An IB showcase is an event where students in an International Baccalaureate (IB) program present their work, projects, and learning journey to their peers, teachers, parents, and the wider community.
These events serve as culminating moments for specific IB components and programs, highlighting students' inquiry, creativity, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving skills.
Kindergarten Community Workers IB Showcase Tuesday, October 28
Our kindergarten students had an amazing IB showcase connected to their Who We Are Unit of Inquiry! Shout out to all of the students and their teachers for sharing with us the important role community workers play in our society!
1st Grade Family History IB Showcase Tuesday, October 28
Our first grade students shared about their family heritage! Students explored what makes their families unique as a connection to their Who We Are Unit of Inquiry! Excellent job!
5th Grade Mission to Mars IB Showcase Tuesday, October 28
Our 5th graders had an amazing IB showcase! As a connection to their IB unit Where We Are in Place and Time, students had the opportunity to design their own rovers as a part of their Mission to Mars Project!
Holidays Around the World Resources
Top children’s books for exploring global holidays include Celebrations Around the World by Katy Halford, Let's Celebrate! by Kate DePalma, and A World of Cookies for Santa by Martha Day Zschock. These books introduce diverse cultural traditions like Diwali, Hanukkah, Lunar New Year, Ramadan, and Christmas, offering engaging, educational, and often interactive stories for young readers.
Comprehensive & Overview Books
- Celebrations Around the World by Katy Halford: Covers various holidays with bright, engaging illustrations.
- Let's Celebrate! by Kate DePalma: Explores festivals from around the world.
- Kids Around the World Celebrate by Lynda Jones: Comprehensive look at various cultural celebrations.
- Children Just Like Me: Celebrations by Barnabas and Anabel Kindersley: Highlights how children globally celebrate.
Winter & Multicultural Holidays
- Hanukkah: The Story of Hanukkah by Natasha Wing, Latke, the Lucky Dog by Ellen Fischer, and Eight Sweet Nights by Charlotte Offsay.
- Christmas: The Legend of Old Befana (Italy) by Tomie DePaola, Cobweb Christmas (Germany) by Shirley Climo, and Lucia Morning in Sweden.
- Kwanzaa: Together for Kwanzaa by Angela Shelf Medearis, Li'l Rabbit's Kwanzaa by Donna L. Washington, and Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story by Angela Shelf Medearis.
- Diwali: Rama and Sita: The Story of Diwali and Diwali by Hannah Eliot.
- Lunar New Year: Ruby's Chinese New Year by Vickie Y. Lee, Dragon Dance by Joan Holub, and Sam and the Lucky Money by Karen Chinn.
- Ramadan/Eid: A Golden Eid by Hiba Noor Khan, Under the Ramadan Moon by Na'ima B. Robert, and Lailah's Lunchbox by Reem Faruqi.
Regional & Unique Traditions
- Las Posadas: The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie DePaola.
- Australia: Quokka Celebrates Australia Day! by Dimity Powell.
- Canada: An Aboriginal Carol by David Bouchard.
- Cherokee Nation: We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell.