A Parent’s Guide to Toomer’s IB Culminating Task Showcases

At Toomer Elementary, we are proud to be an IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) World School—and one of the most exciting ways to experience IB learning in action is by attending our Culminating Task Showcases, held every 6 weeks.

Organized by our IB Coordinator, Ms. Cooper, these events highlight student learning across our six IB transdisciplinary themes:

• Who We Are:
  An inquiry into the nature of self, beliefs, values, personal, physical, mental, social, and spiritual health, and human relationships. 

  • Example: Exploring personal strengths and weaknesses, understanding different cultures and beliefs, or learning about healthy habits. 

• Where We Are in Place and Time:
  An inquiry into orientation in place and time, personal histories, homes and journeys, the discoveries, exploration, and migrations of humankind, and the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives. 

  • Example: Studying local history, learning about different cultures, or exploring the concept of time. 

• How We Express Ourselves:
  An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs, and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend, and enjoy our creativity; and our appreciation of the aesthetic. 

  • Example: Expressing ideas through art, music, or writing, or learning about different forms of art and expression. 

• How the World Works:
  An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the natural world (physical and biological) and human society; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; and the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment. 

  • Example: Studying ecosystems, learning about the human body, or exploring the concept of energy. 

• How We Organize Ourselves:
  An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and structures, and how they function. 

  • Example: Studying different types of governments, exploring how societies are organized, or learning about economics. 

• Sharing the Planet:
  An inquiry into our responsibility to the environment, including the natural world and its resources, and the interconnectedness of human societies. 

  • Example: Learning about environmental issues, studying different cultures, or exploring the concept of sustainability. 

Each showcase is designed to let students share what they’ve explored, researched, and created throughout their unit. We warmly invite all parents and caregivers to attend!

What to Expect at a Showcase

Start in the Cafeteria at 8:30 AM
You’ll hear a brief overview from Principal Brown and Ms. Cooper about the IB approach, the unit theme, and what each grade has been working on.

Visit Classrooms Around 8:45 AM
After the overview, you’ll head into classrooms to see students in action.

• Grades K–2: Students typically share their learning through a “gallery walk”—you’ll walk through the room, see student work displayed, and hear students explain what they’ve learned.
  
  

• Grades 3–5: Students usually give formal presentations to an audience of peers and families, showcasing their research, problem-solving, and reflection.

Have Kids in Multiple Grades?
We recommend starting in the upper-grade classroom first (3–5) so you can catch their presentation, then head to your younger child’s class for the gallery walk.

Wrap-Up Around 9:30 AM
Most classes conclude by 9:30, and families are welcome to visit other classrooms to support and cheer on more students.

Why It Matters

The Culminating Task Showcase is more than just a project. Toomer rolled these out in the 2024-2025 school year as a way to provide parents a chance to see how their child is growing as a lifelong learner and global citizen. We love having parents in the building, engaging with our student’s learning!

You’ll see them demonstrate:

IB Learner Profile Attributes

• Inquirers – We ask questions and love to learn new things.

• Knowledgeable – We explore ideas and build understanding across many subjects.

• Thinkers – We use logic and creativity to solve problems and make good decisions.

• Communicators – We share our ideas clearly and listen respectfully to others.

• Principled – We act with honesty, fairness, and a strong sense of right and wrong.

• Open-minded – We respect others’ ideas, cultures, and beliefs, even if they’re different from our own.

• Caring – We show kindness and concern for others and take action to help.

• Risk-takers – We try new things and face challenges with courage and confidence.

• Balanced – We care for our minds, bodies, and emotions to stay healthy and happy.

• Reflective – We think about our learning and actions to grow and improve.
  
  

Approaches to Learning (ATL) Skills

• Thinking skills (problem-solving, analyzing)

• Social skills (working with others, listening)

• Communication skills (presenting, discussing)

• Self-management skills (planning, time management)

• Research skills (questioning, collecting information)
  
  

Plus, it’s a great opportunity to see your child practice oral language skills and take pride in their learning journey.

Join Us!

We hope you’ll make every effort to attend these joyful, engaging, and meaningful events. Whether it’s your first showcase or your tenth, there is always something new to learn—and it means the world to our students to have you there.

See you at the next showcase!