Resource Hub for the Learner Profile Traits
The ten IB Learner Profile traits are universal ideals to develop lifelong learners and internationally-minded citizens. Scroll down to explore IB Learner Profile books and online resources to use in your classroom.
“The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.”
IBO
IB Learner Profile
The IB Learner Profile traits promote the education of the whole child to become a lifelong learner and responsible citizen. Educating the whole child involves intellectual, personal, emotional and social growth.
The IB Learner Profile isn’t just for the classroom. They are a set of ideals that as educators, we want our students to display in and outside of school.
Using authentic opportunities enhance a student’s understanding of each attribute by developing their knowledge, skills, independent critical and creative thought and international-mindedness.
You don’t have to teach the IB to appreciate the usefulness of the learner profile. Embedding the ten traits into a classroom environment helps you model them daily for your students and promotes their intellectual, personal, emotional and social growth.
You can read more about each of the IB Learner Profile traits by clicking on the headings below. All the descriptions below come from the IB International Baccalaureate.
IB Learner Profile Traits
Here you can discover more about each of the ten IB Learner Profile traits. Within each list there is a list of children’s books and online resources. Once within a list click on a book cover to find more information, including lesson plans and resources. You will also find additional recommended books from the author and illustrator.
The suggested learner profile books are ideal for starting thought-provoking discussions with students of all ages.
Balanced IB Resources and Books
“We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.”
Caring IB Resources and Books
“We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.”
Communicator IB Resources and Books
“We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.”
Inquirer IB Resources and Books
“We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.”
Knowledgeable IB Resources and Books
“We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.”
Open-Minded IB Resources and Books
“We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.”
Principled IB Resources and Books
“We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.”
Reflective IB Resources and Books
“We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.”
Risk-Taker IB Resources and Books

“We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.”
Thinker IB Resources and Books
“We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.”
What Next?
There are many ways to promote the IB learner profile traits. Let me know how you promote it in your classroom.
- Do you embed the Learner Profile in your lessons and activities?
- How do you display the Learner Profile in your classroom?
- How do you model the Learner Profile in your own actions to your students?
- What are your favourite picture books to highlight the different learner profile traits?
- What IB resources do you regularly use in the classroom?
Share your Learner Profile strategies and ideas in the comments. Let me know if you have any book or resource suggestions I can add to these pages.
The IBO has a handy pdf with descriptions of the Learner Profile. You can click on the link and save it for your reference.
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