Helping Children Think About Thinking: A Guide to Metacognition

What if we could help children not just learn, but understand how they learn? At The British School Warsaw, we believe metacognition - the ability to think about one’s own thinking - is a powerful tool to support early development.

In this article, we share how teachers and parents can encourage reflective habits that build confidence, emotional awareness and lifelong learning skills.

Why Metacognition Matters in Early Childhood

From as young as three years old, children can reflect on their thoughts and actions. When guided with intention, they can start to recognise their strengths, monitor their understanding and adapt their approach to learning.

This skill - metacognition - has been shown to improve:

• Emotional regulation

• Self awareness

• Confidence in learning

• Long term academic success

It helps children pause, reflect and make better choices - a skill just as important in the playground as it is in the classroom.

Practical Strategies for Teachers

Make Thinking Visible

When educators model their thought process aloud (“I’m not sure how to do this… I’ll try this method first”), children start to internalise reflection as part of problem solving.

Ask Open Ended Questions

Instead of asking “Did you understand?”, try “What was tricky?” or “How did you do that?” These questions invite children to reflect, explain and adapt.

Encourage Reflection Moments

Build in short daily moments where students can share what they learned or how they felt during an activity. Reflection helps them connect emotions to learning - and builds resilience.

Learn more about our approach in the Early Years curriculum.

Simple Ways Parents Can Support at Home

Parents play a big role in helping children think more consciously about their choices. Here’s how:

• Offer choices and talk about outcomes: “You chose the red shirt—why that one today?”

• Make space for reflection: After a busy day ask “What made you feel proud today?”

• Use everyday routines: Tidying up, packing a school bag or choosing a book can all include small moments of thought and planning. Metacognition happens in quiet, everyday moments - it doesn’t need a special tool or app, just a few thoughtful prompts.

Long Term Benefits

Children who develop metacognitive habits early are:

• More confident when faced with new tasks

• Better at navigating emotions and challenges

• Stronger problem solvers

In fact, research from Nord Anglia Education in partnership with Boston College shows that metacognition improves both academic achievement and social development.

Read more about that global research here.

Final Thoughts & How to Learn More

Metacognition isn’t about being perfect - it’s about being aware. Helping children pause, ask questions and try again builds not just learners but thinkers.

At The British School Warsaw, metacognition is embedded in how we teach and how we care. If you’d like to learn more about our reflective teaching or see it in action book a school visit.

Let’s raise confident learners - one thoughtful question at a time.