IB Learner Profile: Communicator

To be an international citizen and be internationally-minded, according to the International Baccalaureate organization, is to embody the Learner Profile, ten attributes valued by IB World Schools like GIS. We believe these attributes, and others like them, can help individuals and groups become responsible members of local, national and global communities.

In this post we will be highlighting the Communicator attribute.

As a language school it might be obvious that communication is something close to our hearts, but it goes further. We believe that communication, in its many forms, facilitates the exchange of information and knowledge, and is vital when developing relationships of all kinds. From sharing information during parent night, to greeting a child with a smiling face in the morning, communication is what connects us.

What does a communicator look like?

Students who are Communicators express their ideas by speaking, drawing, and writing. They communicate through music, dance, and drama. Language is key to expressing themselves and they can communicate in more than one language.

Being a good listener is an important part of communicating with others too. Through active listening, students show empathy and gain new ideas, perspectives, and insights.

This is a great video with more insight into the Communicator trait: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M98sL812Qc

How can families develop students who are Communicators at home?

• Talk about the day's activities.

• Explore other forms of communication in addition to speaking.

• Talk with your child about the books you read together. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt is a great book about communicating.

• Talk with your child about the TV programs and videos you watch together.

• Keep books, magazines, and other reading material where kids can reach them, without help.

• Actively listen when your child talks with you.

• Ask questions about what your child is saying, ask for explanations.

• Act out stories, plays, poems, use language in fun creative ways.

• Sing together.

...and most importantly, be a Communicator yourself!