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Naramake Students are Open-Minded!

Naramake Students are Open-Minded!
Alissa Helgesen

In the IB Primary Years Programme (IBPYP), being Open-Minded means appreciating our own ideas and being willing to consider the perspectives, cultures, and experiences of others. Open-minded students listen thoughtfully, ask questions with curiosity, and understand that people may approach the world in different, yet equally valid ways. This trait helps children build empathy, flexibility, and confidence as they learn and interact with others.

At home, there are simple, powerful ways to nurture open-minded thinking:

Model curiosity. Children notice how adults react to new situations. When you say things like “I’ve never tried this before, but let’s give it a go,” you show them that being open to new experiences is positive and safe.

Explore different viewpoints. During everyday conversations, whether it's about a book, a family decision, or a problem at school, encourage your child to consider another person’s perspective. You might ask, “Why do you think she made that choice?” or “How might someone else see this differently?”

Celebrate diversity. Expose your child to books, music, food, and traditions from a variety of cultures. Talk together about what’s familiar, what’s different, and what you appreciate about each. This helps children see the world as a place full of interesting ideas.

Practice flexible thinking. When things don’t go as planned, guide your child in adapting to changes. Recognizing that there can be more than one “right” way to do something builds resilience as well as open-mindedness.

By modeling and encouraging open-minded attitudes at home, families help children become compassionate thinkers who value differences, listen respectfully, and approach new ideas with confidence. These skills support not only academic growth, but also kindness and understanding in everyday life.