The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) transdisciplinary theme "How We Express Ourselves" explores communication and artistic forms like literature, music, visual arts, and performance. Students discover how people convey ideas, emotions, and cultural identities through diverse expressions.
Watch The Discovery School of Jacksonville on YouTube for engaging videos on IB themes and creative inquiry activities.
Core Elements of Expression in IB PYP
This theme examines verbal, nonverbal, written, and visual communication to influence, connect, and drive social change. Students analyze art history from painting to music and how culture shapes expression across global traditions.
Key learning areas:
Forms of art and their emotional impact.
Cultural beliefs influencing personal and communal expression.
Using communication for meaningful relationships.
Download IB PYP How We Express Ourselves resources for unit planners and worksheets.
Language as a Tool for Expression
Forms of art and their emotional impact.
Cultural beliefs influencing personal and communal expression.
Using communication for meaningful relationships.
Language enables sharing ideas, building relationships, and fostering cultural identity. It drives social progress by expressing hopes and inspiring action.
Written Expression Structures:
Narrative: Chronological stories with clear structure.
Expository: Factual explanations of topics.
Descriptive: Sensory details painting vivid images.
Persuasive: Convincing arguments for action.
Poetry: Rhythmic imagery for deep meaning.
Creative: Imaginative stories with literary devices.
Explore PYP language arts activities for classroom integration.
Narrative: Chronological stories with clear structure.
Expository: Factual explanations of topics.
Descriptive: Sensory details painting vivid images.
Persuasive: Convincing arguments for action.
Poetry: Rhythmic imagery for deep meaning.
Creative: Imaginative stories with literary devices.
Communicating Ideas and Feelings
Ideas flow through verbal (speaking, writing) and nonverbal (gestures, body language) channels, plus visuals, props, and digital media like social platforms.
Key Methods:
Visual aids: Images, diagrams, charts.
Digital tools: Email, texts, online posts.
Performance elements: Costumes, props in drama.
Link to free IB expression worksheets for hands-on practice.
Visual aids: Images, diagrams, charts.
Digital tools: Email, texts, online posts.
Performance elements: Costumes, props in drama.
Perspectives in Storytelling
Expression varies by viewpoint, shaping narrative depth and reader interpretation.
Types of Perspective:
Narrative Voice: First-person or third-person telling.
Character POV: Protagonist or antagonist lens.
Authorial POV: Writer's distinct angle.
Objective: Neutral, unbiased view.
Subjective: Personal bias influence.
Limited: Single character's thoughts.
Omniscient: All-knowing access.
Dramatic: Script-style for audience inference.
Visit Parijnyanam blog for POI templates and age-appropriate PYP examples across Early Years to Upper Elementary.
Narrative Voice: First-person or third-person telling.
Character POV: Protagonist or antagonist lens.
Authorial POV: Writer's distinct angle.
Objective: Neutral, unbiased view.
Subjective: Personal bias influence.
Limited: Single character's thoughts.
Omniscient: All-knowing access.
Dramatic: Script-style for audience inference.
