Parents might think discussing a global perspective with their children feels too distant or abstract. However, the Harvard Graduate School of Education argues that the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 revealed how interconnected our world truly is: ‘virtually every major issue people face — from climate change to national security to public health — has a global dimension.’ (Educating for Global Competence: Preparing Our Students to Engage the World). Scholars believe students need not only global and cross-cultural knowledge but also strong character and a commitment to the sustainability of our world.
Harvard researcher Boix-Mansilla offers several suggestions to help K-12 students, or even younger children, begin developing a global mindset.
1.Draw a map together.
Encourage your child to mark countries they know on a map, as well as places and people connected to other parts of the world. This helps them understand that our world is made up of diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, and religions. Parents can discuss their local community and these global connections, showing kids that they don’t need to travel far to learn about the world.
2.Embrace different languages, including your own.
Help your child recognise that beyond their native language, many others exist — and communication can even happen through body language. Learning different languages allows them to connect, communicate, and build relationships with people across the globe.
3.Teach global competence across disciplines.
Parents and children can explore global knowledge across subjects. For example, studying how certain butterflies ‘migrate’ between cities each year teaches kids about ecosystems on the other side of the world. Whether in math, art, music, or other subjects, weaving in global themes helps children see that academic knowledge is a key to understanding the world.
4.Think relevant, deep, and long-lasting.
Guide your child to reflect on and discuss international news and global issues—such as climate change, sustainability, and poverty. Through adult guidance, modeling, and encouragement, children can develop the habit of thinking critically and responding thoughtfully. Parents should also treat their children as active global citizens: their actions can not only deepen their understanding of the world but also contribute to meaningful change right now.