IB Learner Profile: Open-minded

While children tend to be naturally open-minded, it is important that their community is there to support and encourage them to be open to new things and to explain the concept. 

The most important thing adults can do is to be open-minded role models for the children in their lives. Engaging with them in discussion and experiences outside their norm helps them to think deeper and connect the concept. This is a great article on how to help our children value others: 

https://afineparent.com/strong-kids/how-to-be-more-open-minded.html

Part of being open-minded at an IB World School like GIS is learning about all kinds of cultures and traditions. We are especially thankful that many of our families have been willing to come in and share with their community about their various traditions and customs! 

Wintertime is a great time to explore the cultural traditions and customs of people around the world, including the students and teachers around us!

This is a great time to try new foods, taste new goodies, and cook new recipes. When you search for holiday foods around the world, you will find a “smorgasbord” of options. It could be as simple as trying "spiced hot chocolate" or taking a trip to a grocery store specializing in certain types of food. 

With winter holidays comes winter break. Maybe this is the year to try a new activity while on break? Maybe a new game or listening to new music? When you open your mind, you never know what you will find!

Being open-minded is something we should all strive to be. It opens us up to the world and all its wonders. It affects the way we approach new things, helps us rethink what we already know, and most importantly, it helps us connect with others. Being open-minded ensures that we appreciate the perspectives, cultures, traditions, and values of others. 

The IB Learner Profile states that open-minded students, “critically appreciate (their) own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. (They) seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.”