Of Chocolates and Surprises: A Teacher’s PYPX Musings

Posted on March 25, 2024

As a fifth-grade PYP (Primary Years Programme) teacher, I embark on a journey with my fifth-grade students through the IB PYP Exhibition every year. Whenever our calendar hits this time of the year, the atmosphere in the classroom undergoes a subtle shift, tinged with anticipation and purpose. There’s a palpable sense of heightened urgency and intentionality. The stress level also differs, but the excitement is conspicuous in the eyes of the students, teachers, mentors and parents. My ultimate hope each year is that my students will enjoy the journey, have an authentic inquiry and demonstrate agency in different ways. 

This year’s exhibition theme in my school revolves around How We Express Ourselves. During one of our English Language Arts inquiries, we explored the vibrant and interesting world of figurative language. As part of our exploration, my class engaged in an Exit Ticket activity where they were tasked with interpreting a line from the movie Forrest Gump: “Life is like a box of chocolates.” Understandably, none of them was familiar with the movie, yet their responses were remarkably insightful. One response, in particular, stood out to me: “The quote means that life is full of surprises, just like the PYP Exhibition.” It dawned on me that the Exhibition is indeed as unpredictable and diverse as a box of chocolates.

The Exhibition, like a box of chocolates, presented a variety of topics, each student choosing a unique inquiry about the issue that intrigued them and the form of self-expression that would allow them to celebrate their personalities. At first glance, it appeared daunting, similar to staring at an array of assorted chocolates, unsure of which to pick. I watched them delve into subjects ranging from environmental sustainability to mental health, much like selecting different chocolates from a box. Just as life surprises us with unexpected flavors, my students encountered challenges in their research, navigating through the complexities of their chosen topics. Some faced the bitter taste of setbacks and lack of progress while others enjoyed the sweet satisfaction of finding solutions and breakthroughs. The Exhibition unfolded one phase at a time, revealing the depth of my students’ abilities, passions and even limitations. 

Guiding the students through the Exhibition was akin to navigating the assortment of chocolates in a box, with each one requiring a different approach. Some needed gentle support, like the delicate truffle, while others demanded a firmer touch, much like unwrapping a resilient nougat. The process was a rollercoaster of emotions, reminiscent of the various tastes in a box of chocolates. There were moments of frustration and moments of joy.

Then came the Exhibition itself – a culmination of months of hard work and dedication. Like presenting a nicely wrapped box of chocolates, the students showcased their learning with confidence and pride. They spontaneously interacted with parents, teachers and visitors, explaining their inquiry and sharing their passion. From the side, I watched with a sense of fulfillment, much like when I had opened and eaten a box of chocolates. 

When the Exhibition concluded, it can be said that it was a journey filled with surprises, challenges and, most importantly, the sweet taste of accomplishment. Through the IB PYP Exhibition, the students tasted the richness of knowledge, the sweetness of collaboration and the joy of discovery filled with endless possibilities waiting to be explored just like a delightful box of chocolates. Cliche as it may sound, the Exhibition is a reminder to us PYP educators that the journey of education is as diverse and delightful as the flavors our learners bring into the learning environment. 

By: 

Remmuel S. Santiago

Grade 5 Homeroom Teacher

Mentari Intercultural School, Jakarta