Understanding IB PYP themes in the early years

In the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, IB PYP themes are six transdisciplinary concepts that structure the curriculum across all subject areas. In the early years, schools select four of these themes to build inquiry units that help preschool children explore their world, express themselves, and construct meaning. These themes allow children to make connections across Language, Mathematics, Science, and The Arts, rather than learning subjects in isolation.

By organizing curriculum around global concepts, the framework respects the natural way young children learn. This guide examines how these transdisciplinary themes shape the educational experience for international preschool students.

Understanding transdisciplinary themes

Transdisciplinary themes are broad, organizing concepts that span across traditional subject boundaries. The International Baccalaureate designed these themes to address topics of global significance that are relevant to all children, regardless of their location.

In early childhood classrooms, these themes serve as the foundation for inquiry units. Instead of planning a week dedicated solely to Mathematics or reading, educators design units where children explore a single theme through multiple lenses. For instance, while investigating a theme, children might count materials to build early numeracy skills, trace letters to support language development, and engage in sensory play to build fine motor control. This integrated approach ensures that learning is contextual and meaningful.

The four key early years themes

While the Primary Years Programme defines six transdisciplinary themes for older students, schools typically focus on four specific themes for children, typically between ages three and six. These four themes are selected because they align closely with the developmental stages of early childhood.

Who we are

This theme focuses on the nature of the self, personal beliefs, values, physical health, and relationships. In early childhood, children explore their identity, family structures, feelings, and personal responsibilities. Typical inquiry units might focus on families, routines, or emotions, which align closely with Personal, Social and Physical Education (PSPE) objectives.

Where we are in place and time

Children explore their local and global environments, personal histories, journeys, and home environments under this theme. For preschool students, this usually looks at their home, their school, their neighborhood, or how things change over time. It provides a simple introduction to Social Studies and helps children understand their immediate community.

How we express ourselves

This theme encourages children to discover and express feelings, ideas, and cultural perspectives. Early childhood units often focus on storytelling, music, movement, and visual art. Children learn how to use language and the arts to communicate, which builds critical communication skills.

How the world works

This theme centers on the natural world, physical systems, and scientific principles. Preschool children observe weather, seasons, materials, and living things. It supports early science skills by encouraging children to notice, wonder, and conduct simple investigations using their senses.

Planning early childhood units of inquiry

To bring these themes to life, educators design a Program of Inquiry, which is a collection of planned units for the school year. Each unit of inquiry lasts several weeks and is guided by a central idea. For example, under the theme “How we express ourselves,” a central idea might be “People use stories to share their lives.”

Throughout the unit, teachers observe children’s interests and questions to guide daily activities. This inquiry-driven approach balances a structured curriculum framework with room for child agency. Teachers document children’s progress and reflections to assess their understanding of the central idea.

Practical resources for inquiry units

Structuring an inquiry curriculum requires a supportive learning environment. Educators need high-quality tools to facilitate daily activities and document child learning.

Our curriculum guides offer practical advice on organizing classrooms to support self-directed inquiry. For teachers and parents planning weekly activities, we provide access to an extensive repository of resources, including printable templates, lesson plans, and tasksheets. You can browse printable resources by age band, from Pre-Nursery to KG, to find materials that align with your current unit. Our platform is free to start, and registering gives you five download credits per month to begin incorporating these play-based activities into your daily routines. Using organized, open-ended resources helps children build foundational skills while investigating the world around them.