Welcome to the IB Learner Profile #IBLPKidLit month, where we dive into global children’s literature through the lens of the IB Learner Profile! Each day, we’ll explore some of the most recently published books written and/or illustrated by international creators, connecting them to the values that shape IB education.
Why the IB Learner Profile?
First introduced in 2006 (Walker, IBO), the IB Learner Profile was created as part of the International Baccalaureate’s commitment to fostering international-mindedness and holistic education. It defines ten key attributes—inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective—that shape students into ethical, engaged, and globally aware individuals. It serves as a guiding philosophy, encouraging students to think critically, act responsibly, and contribute meaningfully to the world. By pairing these qualities with our diverse children’s books, we create opportunities for meaningful discussions and broadened worldviews in the classroom and at home.
Beyond academics, the IB Learner Profile promotes international-mindedness and cultural awareness, lifelong learning, and social responsibility. It instills ethical decision-making, strengthens critical thinking, and encourages community engagement, ensuring students develop empathy and a sense of global citizenship. By fostering collaboration and respect within schools, it nurtures a positive learning environment that supports personal and academic growth. Additionally, it prepares students for future challenges (RevisionDojo, 2024) by developing resilience, adaptability, and the confidence to take risks. Ultimately, the IB Learner Profile equips learners with the skills and mindset needed to navigate an interconnected world as compassionate leaders and innovative problem-solvers.
Deepdive into the IB Learner Profile
The IB Learner Profile serves as a guide for students’ personal and academic growth. As a proud IB Teacher Librarian, I often create IB Learner Profile posters to serve as reminders in the library. With each attribute in mind, I highlight “IB Readers” for PYP students and “IB Researchers” for MYP/DP students. Building on this, I’m excited to introduce IB Global Reader Reflection—a way to encourage readers of all ages to explore the IB Learner Profile through a global mindset. Each attribute comes with two simple questions to spark meaningful discussions: one for mature readers and another for young readers:
- Inquirers: Cultivating curiosity and independent research skills.
- How can reading books from diverse cultures inspire you to ask more questions about the world around you?
- What is something you learned about a different country or culture from a book?
- Knowledgeable: Developing deep and meaningful understandings across disciplines.
- What books have helped you understand different cultures better, and how has this knowledge shaped your view of the world?
- Can you think of a book where the characters come from a different place than you? What did you learn about their life?
- Thinkers: Using critical and creative thinking to solve problems and make ethical decisions.
- When reading about different global perspectives, how do you critically analyze and reflect on the cultural differences you encounter?
- When you read a story from another culture, how do you think it’s different from your own life?
- Communicators: Expressing ideas confidently and engaging effectively in multiple languages.
- How do you share your thoughts and reflections about books from different cultures with others, and why is this important for fostering global understanding?
- If you could share one story you’ve read with a friend from another country, what would it be and why?
- Principled: Acting with integrity, honesty, and a strong sense of justice.
- How can reading literature that represents various cultures help you practice respect and responsibility toward different communities?
- In a book you’ve read, how did the characters show respect for others, even if they were different?
- Open-minded: Appreciating diverse perspectives while understanding and valuing one’s own culture.
- How can reading stories from diverse cultures challenge your own perspectives and help you become more open-minded in your everyday life?
- What’s something surprising you learned from a book about another culture that made you think differently?
- Caring: Demonstrating empathy, compassion, and a commitment to positive change.
- How do books with global themes help you develop empathy and a caring attitude toward people from different backgrounds?
- How did the story make you feel about the people or characters from a different place? What can you do to be more caring like them?
- Risk-takers: Approaching uncertainty with courage, resilience, and resourcefulness.
- What might be some of the benefits of reading books that challenge your understanding of other cultures, even if it feels unfamiliar or uncomfortable?
- Have you ever read a book about a country you didn’t know much about? How did you feel learning something new?
- Balanced: Understanding the importance of intellectual, physical, and emotional well-being.
- How can reading books from different cultures help you develop a more balanced perspective of the world, understanding both commonalities and differences?
- How do books help you understand both the fun and challenging parts of different cultures?
- Reflective: Thoughtfully evaluating learning experiences for personal growth.
- After reading books that highlight different cultures, how do you reflect on how your own cultural background shapes the way you interpret the world?
- After reading a book from another culture, what do you think is similar or different in how you live?
During my years at Osaka YMCA International School (2018–2022), I stumbled upon an incredible student-made IB Learner Profile book: A Chick Who Knows How to Swim by Timothy Yasinski. This beautifully crafted story perfectly captures the essence of the ten attributes. I want to express my gratitude to Timothy Yasinski for his thoughtful adaptation and deep understanding of these principles.
Let’s Promote Global Perspectives Through Literature & Celebrate the Work of Translators
Books written by international authors and illustrators bring authentic cultural perspectives, helping young readers experience the world beyond their immediate surroundings. Whether it’s a folktale from East Asia, a contemporary story from Latin America, or an illustrated adventure from Africa, these books challenge assumptions, celebrate diversity, and invite curiosity about different ways of life.
Many of the books featured in this month are translated works, making it crucial to recognize the talent behind the words we read. The #NameTheTranslator movement highlights the contributions of literary translators who bridge languages and cultures, ensuring that children everywhere can access stories from around the world.
Throughout March, we’ll showcase picture books, graphic novels, and middle grade/ YA novels that embody not only the 10 IB Learner Profile attributes but also the 6 IB Transdiscipilinary themes and other areas that are highlighted in IB education, in unexpected and enriching ways. Some may directly align with qualities like being caring or open-minded, while others will offer unique perspectives that encourage deeper reflection on the world.
Join us in this literary journey—because every story has the power to shape a global learner! Have you come across a children’s book from an international author or illustrator that resonates with IB values? Share your recommendations in the comments! Stay tuned for the first books feature coming soon.
Happy Reading!
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
‘Ib Learner Profile , Png Download – Learner Profile, Transparent Png , Transparent Png Image – PNGitem’. PNGitem.Com, https://www.pngitem.com/middle/hJxRxob_ib-learner-profile-png-download-learner-profile-transparent/. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
IBO. Celebrate 50 Years With Us. IBO, https://ibo.org/50years/#1968.
—. ‘Learner Profile Logos’. Logos and Programme Models, IBO, https://ibo.org/digital-toolkit/logos-and-programme-models/.
‘RevisionDojo’. Revisiondojo.Com, 1 June 2024, https://www.revisiondojo.com.
Walker, Joanne. An Investigation of IB Learner Profile Attributes in Post IB Diploma Students. 2015. International School of Nice, https://www.ibo.org/contentassets/4ccc99665bc04f3686957ee197c13855/joanne-walker.pdf.
Yasinski, Timothy. A Chick Who Knows How to Swim.
Eleanor Duggan is a passionate children’s book reader, a storytelling enchantress, an aspiring globetrotter, a part-time book crafter, and an impassioned foodie who is a cooking disaster. She is more known as an international school teacher-librarian, Founder of the Toucan Award, and the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) Regional Director since 2020. She is a Taiwanese with a Belgian soul and is currently enjoying her life as a citizen of the world with her daughter and their 2 one-of-a-kind cats. You may find her via The Third Culture Librarian
GLLI Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in posts on this site are the individual author’s and are not indicative of the views of Global Literature in Libraries Initiative.
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