Reading books plays a key role in preparing for the IB program. Books help students broaden their horizons, develop imagination and critical thinking. Regular reading is an integral part of the preparation, allowing you to deepen your understanding of subjects. Thus, books become an important tool for every student striving for success in education.
The world is changing rapidly, and education plays a key role in adapting to new realities. The IB program (International Baccalaureate) is not just a set of academic subjects, but a whole philosophy of education aimed at developing personality, critical thinking, research skills and international orientation.
The IB program is a ticket to the world of the best universities and prestigious careers. But the path to this goal is never easy. That is why it is important to start preparing for it in advance, even in elementary or secondary school.
Why is early preparation so important? First, it allows the student to gradually master the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the program. Secondly, it helps to form the right attitude and motivation. Thirdly, it provides an opportunity to identify your strengths and weaknesses and adjust your training plan.
Early preparation for the IB program has many advantages:
- Developing critical thinking and information analysis skills.
- Formation of skills for independent work and research activities.
- Broaden your horizons and get to know different cultures.
- Increasing self-confidence and self-reliance.
- Improving the chances of admission to prestigious universities.
This article will be your guide to the world of the IB program. We will tell you how to choose the right books and resources for preparation, share tips from experienced teachers and students, and provide you with links to useful online resources.
Join us on this exciting journey to knowledge and success!
List of books and textbooks for preparing for the IB program:
Books for primary school IB PYP:
Mathematics:
“First Steps in Mathematics” by Carol Vorderman and Mark McCourt:
This colorful and accessible book introduces children to the basics of mathematics in a playful way. It contains a lot of exercises, puzzles and games that will help develop a child’s mathematical skills and logical thinking.
“Math World” by DK Publishing:
This encyclopedia in pictures will become a real friend for curious children. It contains information about various mathematical concepts, from prime numbers to geometry, in a fascinating and accessible way.
English language:
“Oxford Children’s Encyclopedia” by Oxford University Press:
This encyclopedia is a great way to expand a child’s vocabulary and learn about different cultures of the world. It contains many articles, illustrations and interactive elements that will make learning English interesting and effective.
“National Geographic Kids” by National Geographic Society:
National Geographic Kids magazine is not just a magazine, but a real portal to the world of knowledge. It contains articles about animals, plants, history, culture and much more that will help a child develop curiosity and a love of reading.
The science:
“DK Eyewitness Books: Science” by DK Publishing:
The DK Eyewitness Books series is a fascinating journey into the world of science. The books in this series contain many photographs, illustrations and interactive elements that will help the child learn about various scientific phenomena.
“Bill Nye the Science Guy” by Bill Nye:
Bill Nye is a well–known American television presenter and popularizer of science. His books and videos tell in an accessible and fascinating way about various scientific discoveries and the laws of nature.
Remember:
- These are just some of the many books and tutorials that can be useful for preparing for the IB program.
- When choosing books and textbooks, it is important to take into account the age and level of training of the child.
- It is not necessary to overload the child with an excessive amount of information. It is important that the training is interesting and effective.
Books for secondary school IB MYP:
Mathematics:
“New GCSE Maths Complete Revision & Practice” by CGP Books:
This tutorial will help students prepare for GCSE exams in mathematics. It contains theoretical material, practical tasks and examples of problem solving.
“Edexcel GCSE Maths: Higher” by Pearson Education:
This is a detailed math guide for Higher GCSE level. It contains all the necessary theories, formulas and examples of problem solving.
English language:
“Macmillan English Grammar & Usage” by Raymond Murphy:
This popular grammar guide will help students improve their knowledge of English grammar and word usage.
“Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary” by Cambridge University Press:
The Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary is an essential tool for students learning English at the Advanced level. It contains detailed definitions of words, examples of their use, and idioms.
The science:
“Biology: A Very Short Introduction” by Nick Lane:
This book introduces the basics of biology in an accessible and fascinating way. It contains information about the structure of cells, the evolution of life, genetics and much more.
“Chemistry: A Very Short Introduction” by Peter Atkins:
This book introduces the basics of chemistry in an accessible and fascinating way. It contains information about the structure of matter, chemical reactions, the periodic table of elements and much more.
Books for High School IB DP:
Mathematics:
“Mathematics for the IB Diploma: Higher Level” by Paul Fannon et al.:
This is a detailed math guide for the Higher Level IB Diploma. It contains all the necessary theories, formulas and examples of problem solving.
“Further Mathematics for the IB Diploma: Higher Level” by Hale and Voros:
This book contains more complex mathematical topics that are not included in the Higher Level IB Diploma program. It will be useful for those students who want to deepen their knowledge of mathematics.
English language:
“The Oxford IB Course Companion: Literature” by John Flood:
This book will help students prepare for the IB Diploma literature exams. It contains an analysis of various literary works and tips on their interpretation.
“The IB English Course Companion: Higher Level” by Jim and Pat Durrant:
This guide will help students prepare for the IB Diploma English exams. It contains theoretical material, examples of exam assignments and tips on how to complete them.
The science:
“Biology for the IB Diploma: Higher Level” by Alan Dale and Philip Woodward:
This is a detailed biology guide for the Higher Level IB Diploma. It contains all the necessary theories, information about laboratory work and examples of exam assignments.
“Chemistry for the IB Diploma: Higher Level” by Tim Lister and Peter Atkins:
This is a detailed chemistry guide for the Higher Level IB Diploma. It contains all the necessary theories, information about laboratory work and examples of exam assignments.
Remember:
- These are just some of the many books and tutorials that can be useful for preparing for the IB program.
- When choosing books and textbooks, it is important to take into account the age, level of training and interests of the child.
- It is not necessary to overload the child with an excessive amount of information. It is important that the training is interesting and effective.
Tips from experienced teachers and students:
How to prepare a child for the IB program:
- Start preparing in advance. The earlier a child learns the basics of the IB program, the easier it will be for him to adapt to it in high school.
- Develop your child’s critical thinking and information analysis skills. This is one of the main skills necessary for success in the IB program.
- Encourage the child’s curiosity and desire to learn. The IB program requires students to be independent and active in life.
- Create a peaceful learning environment at home. The child should be able to focus on his studies without extraneous distractions.
- Support the child and believe in his strength. Success in the IB program largely depends on the child’s self-confidence.
Tips from experienced teachers:
- Plan your work and set realistic goals. Do not overload yourself with an excessive amount of information.
- Use different teaching methods. Do not limit yourself to textbooks and lectures. Use video, audio, interactive exercises and other resources.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If something is unclear to you, do not hesitate to contact your teacher or classmates for help.
- Take part in school activities and clubs. It’s a great way to broaden your horizons and meet new people.
Tips from our students:
- Find yourself a mentor or friend who is already studying in the IB program. They will be able to give you valuable advice and help you adapt to the new learning system.
- Create a support group with other IB students. Together, it will be easier for you to cope with difficulties and motivate each other.
- Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. The IB program is a time for new discoveries and self–improvement.
- Remember that the main thing is the pleasure of studying. If you like what you are doing, then success will not take long.
