At The British International School Abu Dhabi, curiosity is more than a classroom trait, it’s a mindset for life. As part of our focus on developing self-aware, independent learners, we actively encourage students to reflect on how they think and learn, a skill known as metacognition.
But this doesn’t stop when the school term ends. Summer holidays are full of opportunities for meaningful learning, especially when children are encouraged to stay curious. Whether you’re travelling abroad, exploring your local area, or enjoying quiet days at home, there are simple ways families can keep curiosity alive.
How to Practise Curiosity at Home
You don’t need elaborate activities or specialised resources to encourage your child’s natural curiosity. At BIS Abu Dhabi, we use simple thinking routines to make learning visible — and these can easily be used by parents too.
One of our favourite tools comes from Harvard’s Project Zero:
🧠 See – Think – Wonder (perfect for EYFS to Year 3)
- See: What do you notice?
- Think: What do you think is happening?
- Wonder: What questions do you have?
🧠 See – Wonder – Connect (great for Years 4–6)
- See: What stands out to you?
- Wonder: What questions come to mind?
- Connect: How does this link to something you already know?
You might try these routines:
- At the airport: “I see people queuing at different gates → I wonder where they’re travelling to → It reminds me of our geography lessons.”
- In nature: “I see a butterfly → I wonder what kind it is → I remember reading about insect life cycles.”
- At the museum: “I see old photographs → I wonder what life was like then → It connects to our family history.”
💬 Top Tip: Use the same wording regularly — “see, think, wonder” or “see, wonder, connect” — so that it becomes a natural part of how your child processes new experiences.
Keep Curiosity Alive With Reflection
Curiosity deepens when children realise they’re thinking in curious ways. This is the essence of metacognition: thinking about your thinking.
You can support this by:
- Having daily check-ins: “What did you wonder about today?”
- Starting a curiosity journal: a simple notebook or sketchpad where your child can jot down questions, drawings, or discoveries.
- Creating an end-of-summer reflection: “What new things did you explore this summer?” or “What surprised you the most?”
These conversations help your child become more aware of their learning and how their questions lead to growth.
Why It Matters
Studies show that curiosity improves memory, engagement, and long-term academic outcomes. It boosts creative thinking, builds resilience, and encourages independence, all essential skills in today’s fast-changing world.
By keeping curiosity alive during the holidays, you’re not just filling time, you’re nurturing a skill that will benefit your child in school and life.
It’s also a value that resonates deeply with the UAE’s national identity. From Sheikh Zayed’s future-focused vision to the space missions of Sultan Al Neyadi, curiosity has long been a driving force behind the country’s innovation and global leadership.
Leading the Way in Metacognition
BIS Abu Dhabi is proud to lead on Nord Anglia Education’s global Metacognition Project, helping students reflect on how they learn, think critically, and build lifelong habits of inquiry. It’s part of our broader commitment to developing the 6 Learner Ambitions, including being Curious, Committed, and Creative.
Through this approach, students don’t just learn facts — they learn how to learn. And that learning continues long after the school bell rings.
