First & Second Graders Present ‘Voices From the Past’: An IB PYP Bilingual Learning Experience

At YingHua International School, an IB PYP bilingual Mandarin immersion school, our first and second graders recently presented their transdisciplinary Unit of Inquiry, “Voices From the Past.” This project integrated history, science, and public speaking, giving students hands-on opportunities to explore the past while practicing their communication skills in both English and Chinese.

Exploring History Through Stories and Artifacts

Students investigated how stories, artifacts, and historical figures help us understand why life changes over time. They studied figures such as Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, Malala Yousafzai, and Ruby Bridges, reflecting on the causes and effects of their actions. Through research and inquiry, students learned to consider different perspectives and understand the interconnectedness of communities, past and present.

Connecting Science and Communication

In addition to history, students explored the science of sound waves, learning how vibrations carry sound and how communication can spark change. Hands-on experiments allowed them to demonstrate these principles, connecting scientific concepts to real-world applications and to the metaphor of voices influencing the world.

Bilingual Presentations in English and Chinese

True to YingHua’s mission, students presented confidently in both languages, sharing stories, reciting lines, and demonstrating experiments. This bilingual approach reinforced their understanding of content while strengthening communication skills and cultural appreciation, key elements of the IB learner profile.

Building Public Speaking Confidence

Throughout the unit, students developed essential skills:

• Inquirers: asking questions and exploring historical sources

• Communicators: sharing findings through storytelling, drama, writing, and art

• Reflective thinkers: connecting past lessons to present-day responsibilities

Their culminating presentation highlighted how young learners can use their voices to educate, inspire, and take action.

Taking Action: Using Our Voices to Make a Difference

Students reflected on how they, too, can make a positive impact in their communities—through empathy, fairness, advocacy, and standing up for others. This action-oriented learning demonstrates the power of student-led inquiry and the importance of fostering voices that can create change.