They are never too young to develop research skills

Primary Age Students in the Library following the IB Primary Years Programme

Abstract

The International Baccalaureate’s Primary Years Programme (PYP) described in the framework document “Making the PYP happen” (2007) promotes learning through guided inquiry. It is an educational programme spanning the years from ages 3 to 12. This paper will introduce the audience to a very brief overview of the five essential elements of the PYP and demonstrate how Information Literacy skills, arguably one of the main charges for school librarians, are embedded within the programme. Mention is made of constructivism to place inquiry and information literacy within this context. Understanding the programme will help the school librarian in developing a programme of authentic learning in the library for the students through collaborative planning with the class teacher or grade level teams.