The Role of Language in PYP: A Comprehensive Guide for Educators (2025)

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗬𝗣 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴

Language is central to conceptual understanding, cultural identity, and learner agency in the Primary Years Programme. It is not confined to subject boundaries, but permeates every aspect of learning and life. Through the 2025 framework, language is recognized as a developmental and inclusive process that supports inquiry, expression, and international-mindedness across the curriculum.

𝟭. 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲)

The PYP language framework is built on four interconnected strands, each organized across five flexible phases. These strands apply across all languages of instruction, additional languages, and home languages. They allow students to demonstrate growth across phases and strands at their own pace and developmental readiness.

𝟮. 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝘆 (𝗣𝗿𝗲-𝗞–𝗚𝟱)

In the PYP, language is best developed in authentic, inquiry-rich contexts. Aligning language outcomes with transdisciplinary themes ensures relevance and application. Below is an example of scope from Pre-K to Grade 5 illustrating how language is embedded within units of inquiry across all strands.

𝟯. 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝘀

Specified concepts guide learners to think deeply about language purpose, form, and context. When paired with additional language-specific concepts, they allow learners to critically analyze, compare, and apply language features across genres and situations.

𝟰. 𝗢𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲: 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀

Listening and speaking are foundational to all learning in the PYP. Learners develop voice, confidence, collaboration, and critical thinking through rich oral experiences. Teachers scaffold oral language using prompts, visuals, and modeling.

𝟱. 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆: 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁

Visual texts offer diverse ways for students to understand and communicate meaning. Learners decode, analyze, and create visual media to develop critical viewing skills. Presentations further allow students to share ideas through graphics, layouts, and digital formats. Some of the learning outcomes in each grade level can be collaboratively planned and taught in partnership with the ICT facilitator.

𝟲. 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝘆

Reading in the PYP is not only about decoding; it is about constructing meaning, analyzing structure, exploring perspectives, and connecting ideas across contexts. Through reading, learners question, reflect, compare, and develop empathy. Teachers support reading with scaffolds such as leveled texts, guided reading, and strategy modeling. Some of the learning outcomes in each grade level can be collaboratively planned and taught in partnership with the Library facilitator.

𝟳. 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹-𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

Writing enables students to record, persuade, describe, and reflect. When writing is connected to real purposes - letters, blogs, reports - it becomes meaningful. Teachers support writing with exemplars, graphic organizers, and collaborative editing.

𝟴. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱-𝗔𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 (𝗣𝗿𝗲-𝗞 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝟱)

Stand-alone language planners are designed to address specific learning outcomes that may not be fully explored within transdisciplinary units. While the majority of language outcomes can and should be authentically embedded within the Programme of Inquiry, certain areas-particularly in the upper primary years-such as grammar, conventions, and genre-specific writing, may benefit from focused instruction. This ensures balanced development across strands and offer students structured, age-appropriate experiences in phonics, spelling, grammar, and other foundational skills.

𝟵. 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗧𝗟 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴

Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills are developed through language experiences across reading, writing, speaking, and inquiry. They empower students to be independent, collaborative, and reflective communicators in any language and subject area.

𝟭𝟬. 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘀

Each PYP transdisciplinary theme presents unique contexts to explore and apply language. Through reading, writing, presenting, and listening, students make meaning across subject lines and in real-world settings.

𝟭𝟭. 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲

The IB Learner Profile attributes come to life when students use language to express beliefs, question perspectives, and reflect on experiences. Below are practical examples of each attribute being fostered through authentic language engagements.

𝟭𝟮. 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴

Language assessment must be diverse, ongoing, and visible to learners. Teachers use formative and summative tools to track development, guide feedback, and plan next steps across all strands and phases.

𝟭𝟯. 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀

Supporting students’ home languages builds self-esteem, identity, and thinking skills. PYP schools embrace linguistic diversity by valuing multiple languages in planning, resources, and community events.

𝟭𝟰. 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲

In the PYP, language is seen as dynamic and deeply personal. Learners make meaning through various modes beyond traditional print-visuals, gestures, sounds, symbols, and spatial designs. Multiliteracies acknowledge this diversity of communication, preparing students for a global, media-rich world. Multimodal learning enables students to understand and express ideas using integrated tools such as images, video, movement, and spoken word.

A key inclusive strategy in the PYP is translanguaging the intentional use of a learner’s full linguistic repertoire. Students are encouraged to think, talk, and write using all the languages they know, bridging meaning across home and school languages. This promotes equity, voice, and cognitive flexibility, particularly for multilingual learners.

To support identity, teachers may engage students in creating a Language Portrait-a visual representation of the languages they use, hear, and value in their daily lives. This powerful reflection fosters agency and celebrates the rich linguistic diversity in the classroom.

𝟭𝟱. 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 (𝗘𝗔𝗟) 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀

Language-rich classrooms foster success for EAL learners through scaffolds, choice, and visual supports. Teachers differentiate expectations, model academic language, and celebrate all stages of language development.

𝟭𝟲. 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗟𝗣/𝗜𝗘𝗣 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝘀𝗸𝘀

Students with diverse learning needs benefit from individualized support and accessible language pathways. PYP teachers design inclusive activities with flexibility in input and output while maintaining high expectations.

𝟭𝟳. 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴

Homeroom teachers and specialists share responsibility for language development. Effective co-planning ensures consistent instruction and supports authentic transdisciplinary connections.

𝟭𝟴. 𝗨𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴

Technology allows learners to publish, create, and connect globally through language. Digital tools support accessibility, creativity, and fluency in all strands-especially for multilingual and diverse learners.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻

Language in the PYP is the foundation for expression, inquiry, and identity. When taught through authentic, inclusive, and integrated practices, it empowers learners to communicate with confidence and compassion. The 2025 framework reaffirms the importance of language as the bridge between learning and life, helping students become thoughtful, responsible, and globally minded individuals.

𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗬𝗣 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘀? 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗨𝗽!

If you have missed any of our recent or earlier webinars, don't worry - we’ve got you covered! 🎥 Recorded sessions are now available, each accompanied by a comprehensive Resource Kit, thoughtfully curated to support immediate implementation in your classroom. These kits include strategies, sample plans, and ready-to-use templates aligned with the IB PYP framework. Here’s what’s available:

Assessment in the PYP (2 hrs)
Designing Unit of Inquiry Planners (2 hrs)
Language in the PYP (90 min)
The PYP Exhibition (90 min)

📲 To access the recordings and resource kits, feel free to contact us on WhatsApp at +91 88948 78830. Let’s continue to learn, share, and grow together as a community of lifelong PYP learners and educators. 🌍✨

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