In ELA, we have been exploring how authors use different perspectives—especially through animal characters—to change and reshape familiar stories. This connects directly to our IB central idea, “Different perspectives help us to improve access to communities and resources around us,” as students consider how characters’ viewpoints influence the way a story is understood and shared. As knowledgeable learners, students are studying theme, elements of a play, and hyperbole while examining how tall tales build on familiar narratives to offer new ideas and imaginative twists. They are also developing as inquirers by asking questions about why authors make certain choices and how perspective can transform a story. In writing, students are applying these skills to their expository essays, explaining how plants, animals, and humans rely on one another to thrive in an ecosystem. By analyzing both literature and real-world relationships, students are learning that perspective shapes how we interpret stories—and how we understand the world around us.

In math, we have been connecting our IB central idea, “Different perspectives help us to improve access to communities and resources around us,” to the many strategies students use to solve multiplication and division problems. By approaching multiplication through area models, place value disks, and the standard algorithm, students are learning that there are multiple ways to understand and represent the same concept. Similarly, with division, students have been exploring strategies such as using a base fact, creating arrays, and applying both short and long division. These different mathematical perspectives help students choose the method that works best for them and deepen their overall understanding. As they compare strategies, students gain confidence and flexibility in problem-solving. This work reinforces the idea that considering multiple perspectives strengthens understanding both in math and in the world around us.

In social studies, we have been exploring our IB central idea, “Different perspectives help us to improve access to communities and resources around us,” by studying the lives of Native American communities, including the Iroquois and Algonquian tribes, and their ways of living in the Americas before and during the colonial era. Students learned how these communities managed resources, organized their societies, and maintained connections with the land. We then examined the arrival of European explorers and settlers, looking at the Americas through the lens of New York’s colonial history. To extend our learning, students attended the Thunderbird Native American dance show, where they experienced culture, stories, and traditions firsthand. By seeing these perspectives in action, students deepened their understanding of how access to resources, community life, and cultural expression varied among groups. This study encourages students to think critically about multiple viewpoints and the impact of decisions on communities, helping them see that understanding diverse perspectives strengthens both knowledge and empathy.

In science, we have been exploring our IB central idea, “Different perspectives help us to improve access to communities and resources around us,” by investigating living systems, such as the circulatory and skeletal systems, and how different parts work together to support life. Recently, we began learning about electrical circuits and completed a hands-on lab called “How to Light a Bulb.” In this activity, students used their self-management and collaboration skills to experiment with different ways to connect components and successfully light the bulb. By trying multiple approaches, students learned that there are often several strategies to solve a problem, and considering different perspectives can lead to success. This work reinforces the importance of teamwork and creative thinking when exploring scientific concepts. Through these experiences, students are discovering that understanding diverse approaches helps them better navigate challenges and apply knowledge in real-world contexts.