Characteristics of Open-Minded Children
Being open-minded means understanding we are all different and embracing these differences. Other open-minded characteristics that students with this strength exhibit include:
- respecting and considering the perspectives and approaches of others
- being eager to learn new things
- reflect on their own learning and the ideas of others
- reacting positively to constructive feedback
- acting with positivity, honesty and empathy
- listening attentively
- putting themselves in other people’s shoes
- willing to venture outside their comfort zone
- asking questions to broaden their mind and understandings
- working towards positive relationships and collaborative experiences.
Key Benefits of Being Open-Minded
There are many benefits to teaching perspectives and helping your students to view their life with an open mind. Open-mindedness gives students the ability to:
- embrace different points of view
- listen to and consider the perspectives of others before making a decision
- understand new ideas and experiences broaden their mind and challenge their thinking
- understand mistakes or failure leads to a deeper understanding
- be eager to learn new things and build on existing knowledge, even if it challenges existing views
- be honest, understanding they don’t know everything and can admit it
- know the first answer is correct and will search for alternatives before settling on an answer
- be an effective team player and collaborator
- be fair and objective, building trust with others.
- handle constructive feedback, understanding they learn from their mistakes.
Open-mindedness is an IB learner trait and the above information has come from childrenslibrarylady.com
Here students from 45A share thoughts on open mindedness
They All Saw A Cat – A book about differing views and perspective
Going Places is a book about how an open mind can help someone to think in a different way in order to cross the finish line.
