Mrs. Barrios’s kindergarten class recently took center stage in their IB PYP Showcase: “Who We Are,” celebrating identity, culture, and community through inquiry-based learning. The showcase beautifully reflected how our youngest learners explore what makes each of them special.

Throughout this unit, students researched their uniqueness by discovering where they come from and what makes them who they are. With the support of their families and teachers, each student created a doll-like figure that represented their culture, traditions, and language—a creative and meaningful expression of self.

On the day of the showcase, excitement filled the room as a student ambassador warmly greeted guests and shared some of the experiences everyone could look forward to. One by one, students proudly presented their projects to a room full of families, classmates, and teachers. Their confidence and pride were evident as they shared stories about their families and the traditions that make them unique.

Adding to the cultural celebration, students also learned different ways to say “hello” and “thank you” in various languages from around the world—embracing the global mindset at the heart of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program here at OWNCS ES.

Mrs. Barrios’s dedication to cultivating curiosity, cultural awareness, and self-expression was evident in every detail of the showcase. Her students not only learned about their identities but also gained a deeper appreciation for the diversity and unity that connect us all.