We Belong Together – A Grade 1 Learning Story
As part of our Grade 1 unit on communities and aligned with the ISY strategic theme of belonging, the Grade 1 students engaged in a unit titled ‘We Belong Together.’ Through this unit, the students hosted several guest speakers from different roles within our school. These speakers included custodial staff, security officers, facilities team members, and our school director. These individuals shared how their specific contributions help make ISY a vibrant, safe, and enjoyable environment. From keeping our school clean and secure to maintaining campus functionality and providing visionary leadership, the students were introduced to the idea that every role, no matter how big or small, is essential to the well-being of our community.
The key takeaway for the students was that a thriving community is like a complex web, where every person plays a vital part in keeping things running smoothly. The first graders were fascinated to learn that a healthy, productive school depends on everyone, and they quickly understood that every job is important and deserves respect. Whether it’s taking out the trash or making decisions for the future, each action helps our school flourish.
This unit has also played a significant role in the students’ academic development this Quarter, integrating reading and writing activities while introducing new language skills. Students have been expanding their vocabulary, learning the meanings of unfamiliar words, and applying these concepts in both written and oral tasks.
In addition to learning about these roles, students were encouraged to think about how they could contribute to making our school a great place to learn and play. Practical suggestions were offered, such as helping custodians by picking up after themselves, taking emergency drills seriously, and showing respect for school property. The students eagerly embraced these ideas and pledged to act on them. Actions such as throwing away trash, putting away outdoor play equipment, and cleaning up their dining area after meals were suggested as simple but powerful ways for the students to take responsibility and help the school community.
The students brainstormed and recorded even more ways they could help support the staff who keep ISY running. They came up with ideas like pushing in or stacking chairs to make cleaning easier for the custodians, watering classroom plants, feeding the class fish, and making sure used paper is placed in the recycling bin. With great enthusiasm, the class has set up a weekly rotation so that everyone can take part in these tasks, putting their plans into action and proudly contributing to the daily life of the school.
Through these responsibilities, our first graders are beginning to understand what it means to be stewards of their community. They are learning that even small actions can have a big impact and are developing a sense of accountability and empathy for others. This sense of stewardship will grow with them, nurturing their sense of belonging and helping them become positive forces for change in their “home away from home” at ISY. Because here, in our ISY family, everyone belongs, and everyone’s contributions matter.
The International School Yangon
20 Shwe Taungyar Street
Bahan Township
Yangon, Myanmar
+95 (0) 9 880 441 040