32 of the Best Open-Minded Books for the Classroom
These open-minded books deal with different events and dilemmas in an open-minded way, and focus on tolerance and respecting the perspectives of others.
Open-Mindedness in the Classroom
Open-mindedness involves respecting the perspectives, cultures, traditions and values of others. We can’t assume our students understand the concept of being open-minded. It needs to be an ongoing conversation in any classroom.
The IBO learner profile states open-minded students “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.”
Reading open-minded books and subsequent discussions will help your students make connections and develop open-mindedness. The world is interconnected and an open mind linked to acceptance and tolerance is vital.
In a previous post, Teaching Perspective with Open-Minded Resources, I put together open-minded books, videos and online resources.
Open-Minded Books
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The open-minded books suggested below feature examples of how characters deal with dilemmas with an attitude of open-mindedness. You will also find characters who:
- respect and consider the perspectives of others.
- ask questions to discover more information
- eager to learn new things
- reflect on their own learning and the ideas of others
- react positively to constructive feedback
- act with honesty and sympathy
- problem solve
- listen attentively
- are open to ideas of others and new approaches
Open-Minded Discussion Questions
- What does an open-minded mindset look like?
- Why does being open-minded matter?
- Did [character] listen to the different points of views of others?
- Was [character] willing to change their mind as the events progressed?
- Why do you think [character] bullied other characters? What could they have done instead?
- In what ways was the [character] judgemental towards other characters?
- Who was the most open-minded character? In what way?
- How could [character] have been more open-minded?
- How would it have helped [character] if s/he was more open-minded?
- Why was it important that [character] was open-minded?
- Did [character] think about her/his actions affected other characters?
- Could [character] have understood the feelings of [character]? How?
- How could [character & character] have dealt with their differences in a better way?
- Did [character] take on board the opinions of others? Would it have made a difference?
- What caused [character] to act in the way they did? What could they have done differently?
- What could [character] do differently next time to be more open-minded?
In Conclusion...
What books do you use to promote the open-minded trait in your classroom? Add them to the comments!
Remember to check out Teaching Perspective with Open-Minded Resources for more open-minded related resources, including books, videos and online links.
Related Posts
- Teaching Perspective with Open-Minded Resources
- Children’s Books & Resources for the IB Learner Profile Traits
- Tolerance Book List & Resources
- 7 Reasons Why Wordless Picture Books are so Powerful
- 6 Powerful Strategies on How to Choose Books to Read
- Discover the Benefits of Picture Books for Older Readers
- Relationship Skills Books and Resources
Further Reading
More Books to Explore
The Children’s Library Lady has over 150 picture books on a large variety of topics. You will find book, author and illustrator information, as well as resources. You can also browse themed books lists and explore all the books on the website.
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