Developing International Mindedness and Global Competence at Home and in the Wider World
By Jacqueline Harmer, Head of the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) at the International Curriculum Association (ICA)
Children should spend time developing a sense of self, their place in the world, and a sense of other. Being confident in their identity and taking an interest in others are the foundations for international mindedness and global competence. Engaging with the eight ideas below will support children with International Learning and Health & wellbeing.
Develop a personal sense of identity
Discussing what influences a child’s identity. Where they are born, the heritage of their parents and grandparents, and where they live now can all affect how a child sees themselves. Help them understand that some aspects are central to their identity and that others may change as they grow up.
Explore family traditions
Look into children’s family history. Talk about where family members were born and have lived. Talk about celebrations and traditions and explain the unique aspects that make families special.
Engage with current affairs
Find an age-appropriate news source you can look at together with children. Discuss local and global issues exploring cause and effect. Try to identify bias or fake news modelling how to check for facts and accuracy.
Promote economic awareness
Talk to children about the things that you pay for such as goods and services. Help them to begin to understand the role of money. Discuss decisions with them that have a financial aspect, such as prioritising one thing over another to meet needs and/ or wants.
Discover culture of home and host country
Talk about where children consider home. Explore the language, stories, food, traditions, music, and culture of that country and other countries you are connected to. Explore cultural influences from the culture or religions represented within their family.
Value similarities and differences
Encourage children to appreciate diversity by identifying similarities and valuing differences. Celebrate the uniqueness that makes people interesting, promoting respect and understanding.
Encourage empathy
Help children be aware that all humans share commonalities. Emphasise basic human needs and rights. Foster empathy, encouraging them to see the world from others’ perspectives in everyday life.
Appreciate people who help us
Many people contribute to our quality of life. Talk about the people working in the local community and help children to appreciate the contribution each person makes to helping society function. Talk about the people they don’t see who help us and the world such as farmers, energy workers, and scientists.
Learn more about how you can help your child to develop international mindedness and global competence here.
