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Thriving in a global, fast-paced, and complex world requires students to possess a set of transferable emotional, social, and academic skills.

This article delves into the 10 essential skills for students’ success in school and life, illustrating how we at UNIS Hanoi actively foster their development through an integrated curriculum and a comprehensive co-curricular framework. Let’s get started!

10 Crucial Skills for Students Success in Future Endeavours

At UNIS Hanoi, we educate all students with the clear aim of nurturing and modeling these skills for students success through the academic curriculum, real world application, leadership roles, service learning initiatives, and wellbeing support programs.

1. Communication

The skills of communication form the foundation of all academic success and personal relationships.

By attending classes, UNIS Hanoi students are able to experience and hone skills in talking, advanced group writing, debate, and student-led performances through active participation.

From the active participation in the classrooms, students hone the skills to actively take part in debates, give talks, advanced collaborative writing, and perform student-led performances.

Moreover, students can improve their relationship management and idea exchange across cultures through language acquisition and cross-cultural projects.

2. Research and Analytical Skills

In our information-saturated society, students must be able to obtain relevant data and investigate information. At UNIS Hanoi, we train students to navigate diverse sources, critically evaluate information, and construct evidence-based arguments.

We foster these competencies within the framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB) through the Extended Essay, personal projects, or internal assessments in specific subjects.

As part of these projects, students engage in goal-oriented research, formulate sophisticated analyses, and compile their findings into formal presentations, which cultivate their decision-making and life skills for their future education.

3. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

The ability to analyse information and solve complex problems is a foundational skill of modern education.

Inquiry-based learning, thematic teaching, and authentic learning experiences at UNIS Hanoi weave critical thinking into every discipline.

Our students gain the ability to assess and even challenge the assumptions around any literary work, historical event, or scientific anomaly by exploring alternative views and formulating reasoned solutions.

Moreover, group projects and cross-disciplinary tasks push learners to collaborate, assess multiple viewpoints, and refine their problem-solving strategies in dynamic settings.

4. Adaptability and Resilience

The capacity to cope with change and persevere in the face of setbacks is crucial for both academic and personal wellbeing.

UNIS Hanoi fosters an environment where students can learn effectively to reach their full potential with the right help. Resilience is developed through the reflective counselling sessions, outdoor expeditions, athletic participation, and during transitions between various learning stages.

The structured and unstructured environments of self-regulation require students to effectively manage emotions, view obstacles optimistically, and embrace a growth mindset through our Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programmes.

5. Digital Literacy

Students must be equipped in today’s environment with safe, ethical, and effective technology usage.

UNIS Hanoi integrates lessons on digital literacy through 1:1 laptop programs, cloud-based or other collaborative tools, and web-based resources as part of the curriculum.

While learning coding, robotics, and multimedia storytelling, they also learn appropriate cybersecurity, digital etiquette, and how to verify information.

Responsible digital citizenship is also integrated into our programs, so students develop as responsible, engaged citizens in a digital society.

6. Time Management

At UNIS Hanoi, we teach students actionable goal setting, effective task management, and fostering the ability to balance physical and mental wellbeing while managing deadlines.

Through the use of planners, reflective journals, and individual mentoring sessions, learners identify their peak productivity hours and develop personal strategies to manage academic workloads alongside extracurricular commitments.

Time management skills are also reinforced through long-term projects, where students break tasks into manageable steps and track progress systematically.

7. Creativity and Innovation

Creative thinking and innovative problem-solving enable students to explore new possibilities and contribute meaningfully to the world.

UNIS Hanoi fosters creativity in students through arts education, design thinking, and interdisciplinary learning that combines science, humanities, and technology.

Creating and developing original ideas is passionate work that reflects the students’ values and embraces risk and ambiguity. This is evident when students compose original music, choreograph performances, develop engineering prototypes, or launch social initiatives.

Our other programs in Makerspaces and entrepreneurship highlight innovation as well.

8. Self-Evaluation and Self-direction

UNIS Hanoi understands that personal development begins with self-assessment and genuine reflection. Our students learn how to track their learning milestones and reflect on their growth.

In addition, they review and build fundamental skills by attending goal-setting sessions, e-portfolio maintenance, and advisory conferences.

Structured goal-setting sessions combined with e-portfolios and advisory conferences empower students to reflect and constructively assess their interests with autonomy and purpose.

9. Leadership and Collaboration

UNIS Hanoi provides a wealth of opportunities for students to work collaboratively while taking initiative through student councils, Model United Nations, service clubs, and group-based learning experiences.

Learners practice negotiating roles, resolving conflicts, building consensus, and motivating peers. Our emphasis on ethical leadership ensures students act with integrity, empathy, and social responsibility as they lead projects and represent their communities.

10. Financial Literacy

As students learn to manage their academic and personal lives, a sound understanding of financial principles is vital for responsible living.

UNIS Hanoi integrates financial literacy into the curriculum through practical maths, interdisciplinary units, and elective workshops. Our students evaluate consumer scenarios, understand budgeting, interest rates, and consider savings and investing for the future.

These choices help students develop strong personal finance skills alongside responsible economic citizenship and informed decision-making.

Invest In Your Child’s Potential For Future Success With UNIS Hanoi

Preparing children for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow means investing in an education that fosters character, competence, and a global perspective. At UNIS Hanoi, we are dedicated to cultivating the full spectrum of skills for students’ success through an inclusive, dynamic, and future-focused learning environment.

Join our community of learners and leaders where education is not just about what students know, but who they become. Empower your child for lifelong success by applying today at UNIS Hanoi!

Understanding “what is mindfulness for children?” is crucial for fostering healthy emotional and cognitive development. Mindfulness helps children manage stress, regulate emotions and build resilience.

Through simple exercises, young minds can learn to stay present and engaged. This article explores mindfulness for children and offers ten practical exercises grounded in research and school-based implementation. Let’s delve in!

What Is Mindfulness For Children?

Mindfulness for children is the intentional practice of focusing awareness on the present moment, with curiosity and without judgment. It involves helping children pay attention to their thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and environment.

Mindfulness exercises for children are often short, engaging, and rooted in sensory experiences to suit their developmental stage.

Parents can use relatable metaphors to explain mindfulness to a child. For instance, you might refer to thoughts as clouds floating in the sky and emotions as waves, like the ocean.

Parents should reinforce that all kinds of feelings are permissible, and mindfulness allows us to notice and understand feelings better.

Benefits Of Mindfulness For Children

Mindfulness has wide-ranging benefits for children, supporting their mental, emotional and social development. Cultivating present-moment awareness nurtures both inner resilience and outer calm.

Benefits of mindfulness for children include:

• Emotional Regulation: Mindfulness aids children in recognising and managing emotions. Instead of reacting impulsively, they learn to pause and respond thoughtfully.
• Concentration Improvement: Regular practice enhances a child’s ability to focus on tasks by training attention and reducing mental distractions.
• Stress Reduction: Mindful breathing and observation reduce cortisol levels, helping children feel calmer in stressful situations.
• Self-awareness Discovery: Children become more conscious of their thoughts, emotions, and actions, which helps them later on to reflect and understand their inner self.
• Empathy Enhancement: When children understand feelings, they show kindness and care for others.
• Resilience Increase: Mindfulness helps children recover from setbacks more easily by fostering emotional flexibility and a positive mindset.
• Overall Well-being Boost: Through consistent practice, children experience improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and a more positive outlook.

10 Mindfulness Exercises for Children

To fully grasp what is mindfulness for children, it is essential to see it in action. The following exercises are practical, accessible, and adaptable to various settings, including at home and in schools.

1. Honour the Feelings

This exercise consists of asking children to name their emotions, encouraging them to label their feelings without judgment as they speak.

Children can “label” feelings as “angry”, “excited”, or “nervous”. This allows children to distance themselves from emotions and respond thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively.

At UNIS Hanoi, honouring emotions is part of the school’s wellbeing philosophy.

Through guided discussions and age-appropriate activities in a safe and nurturing environment, we provide students with tools to identify and articulate what they feel as a form of emotional literacy.

2. Try ‘Teddy Bear’ Breathing

Have children lie down and place a small stuffed animal on their belly. As they breathe in and out, they can watch the toy rise and fall. This visual cue helps focus attention on the breath.

UNIS Hanoi integrates these imaginative breathing techniques into our daily routines.

Teddy bear breathing is a favourite in the early years programme, fostering body awareness and relaxation in a playful, effective manner.

3. Eat Mindfully

Ask children to eat a small snack (like a raisin or piece of chocolate) slowly, noticing its texture, taste, and smell. This activity builds awareness of sensory experiences and encourages gratitude.

UNIS Hanoi practices mindful eating during snack breaks. Our educators remind students to eat mindfully, allowing them to savour their food to appreciate their feelings and how it affects their well-being.

4. Practice Stillness

Guide children to sit quietly for a minute or two, focusing only on the sensations in their body or sounds around them. This builds tolerance for quiet and calm.

UNIS Hanoi values moments of stillness as part of our holistic educational approach. Designated quiet times during the school day allow students to reset, reflect, and centre themselves amid academic activities.

5. Encourage Journaling

Give children a journal and a writing prompt about their day, feelings, and gratitude. Journals encourage self reflection and emotional expression.

At UNIS Hanoi, journaling is encouraged as a reflective practice in classrooms. Children are given space and time to express their inner thoughts, supporting self-exploration and emotional clarity.

6. Practice ‘Cool the Pizza’ Breathing

Invite children to imagine holding a hot slice of pizza. They take a slow breath in to smell it and blow out gently to cool it down. This playful method engagingly teaches deep breathing.

UNIS Hanoi incorporates this creative technique to teach breathing control. Teachers use storytelling and imagery to help children visualise scenarios, making mindfulness relatable and fun.

7. Do Meditation

Introduce short guided meditations tailored to a child’s age. Focusing on the breath or visualising a calm scene are a few examples that may help with relaxation.

At UNIS Hanoi, meditation is integrated into all aspects of student wellbeing

Students join guided meditative practices in assemblies and in class, which helps with mental clarity and emotional balance.

8. Do Yoga

Yoga is breathing exercises combined with physical movement. Simple poses like tree or cat-cow help children build body awareness, coordination, and emotional calm.

UNIS Hanoi offers yoga as part of our physical education and after-school programmes. We recognise the holistic benefits of yoga in nurturing both physical health and mindfulness.

9. Focus on the Senses

Encourage children to use their five senses to explore their environment. Ask what they see, hear, smell, taste, and feel in the moment. This strengthens sensory awareness and present-moment focus.

At UNIS Hanoi, we embrace sensory exploration in our learning environments. Outdoor activities and sensory corners help students mindfully connect with their surroundings.

10. Count Your Breaths Together

Sit with your child and count each breath aloud to ten. Then start again. This shared breathing practice builds connection and soothes nervous energy.

This practice is regularly used in UNIS Hanoi’s wellbeing sessions. Our teachers guide group breathing exercises during transitions or after energetic activities to help students recalibrate and refocus.

Embracing Mindfulness for Children with UNIS Hanoi

Understanding what mindfulness is for children is a practical way to build compassion and awareness. UNIS Hanoi embeds it into school culture, nurturing children’s mental health from the earliest years.

If you are looking for an all-rounded education that integrates wellness with academics, apply to UNIS Hanoi and witness a mindful community flourish!

Summer is the perfect time for young minds and bodies to explore, learn, and grow. The best way to maximise this opportunity is by engaging in structured, creative, and developmentally beneficial programmes.

In this article, we highlight the 14 best summer activities for children in 2025, ensuring a fulfilling and enriching break from the school year.

6 Benefits of Summer Activities for Children’s Development

Participating in summer activities allows children to enjoy their holidays while nurturing their physical, intellectual, and emotional development. Educators and child development experts around the world consistently recognise these benefits.

Benefits of summer activities for children include:

• Improve children’s physical strength: Engaging in outdoor games and sports during summer boosts physical fitness, coordination, and endurance, reducing sedentary behaviour.
• Keeps children intellectually engaged: Activities such as reading challenges, science experiments, or creative workshops keep children mentally stimulated, preventing learning loss during the break.
• Teach children teamwork and resiliency: Group-based activities cultivate collaboration and adaptability as children learn to navigate challenges with peers.
• Support mental and emotional health: Summer playgrounds serve as a critical escape for children by relieving emotional tension and fostering self-assurance.
• Connect children with nature: Outdoor activities instil environmental awareness, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of the world.
• Develop lifelong skills: Children acquire lifelong skills such as problem-solving, effective communication, responsibility, and creativity that stay with them well into adulthood.

14 Best Summer Activities for Children in 2025

To kickstart the list of 2025 summer activities for children, here are our top 14 suggestions that will keep children inspired, energised, and engaged throughout their break.

1. Summer Camp

Summer camps build well-rounded kids by combining fun and learning in one place. They offer children the chance to develop new interests, build friendships, and engage in structured activities that support their growth on multiple levels. Camps also foster independence, problem-solving skills, and creativity through interactive projects and group work.

At UNIS Hanoi, our Summer Programme is uniquely designed to offer a rich blend of academic enrichment, arts, sports, and life skills.

We engage children through swim classes, drama, visual arts, storytelling, robotics, science, and international cooking. Every day is carefully planned to guide children’s engagement while promoting self-discovery.

Every child deserves a rich, warm, and constructive atmosphere in which they can freely explore their gifts and learn. Our teachers and facilitators make this possible.

2. Talent Show

Hosting a talent show allows children to showcase their unique abilities, be it singing, dancing, acting, or playing an instrument. Preparing for such an event helps boost confidence and encourages self-expression.

It also fosters empathy as children cheer on their peers and appreciate diverse forms of talent. Such events promote inclusivity and help children overcome stage fright at an early age.

3. Water Balloon Dodge Ball

A classic game with a twist will always bring amusement and joy to a summer afternoon. This game assists children in improving strategic planning alongside hand-eye coordination, and promotes teamwork.

In hot weather, it also provides much-needed physical activity while keeping children cool. The game is best played in open spaces, ensuring safety while encouraging energetic play.

4. Hopscotch

A timeless game that requires only chalk and imagination, hopscotch enhances balance, counting skills, and coordination.

It encourages children to engage in outdoor play and interact with peers, helping develop both gross and fine motor skills.

Moreover, designing their own hopscotch paths can introduce children to simple concepts of spatial awareness and creativity.

5. The Beadery

Creating bracelets, keychains, or name tags from colourful beads enhances fine motor coordination and hand-eye precision. It also introduces children to patterns, sequencing, and colour matching.

Through beading, children learn patience, focus, and the joy of completing a project.

This activity is particularly effective in helping children develop dexterity and spatial understanding while providing a creative outlet that they can proudly wear or gift.

6. Cooking

When children help prepare meals, they develop a sense of ownership and responsibility. Tasks such as measuring ingredients, chopping (with safe tools), mixing, and plating teach maths, science, and safety concepts. Cooking also encourages healthy eating habits and exposes children to diverse cuisines.

In a summer setting, activities like making smoothies, baking cookies, or creating fruit kebabs can become both a sensory experience and a meaningful bonding opportunity between peers or family members.

7. DIY Musical Instruments

Transforming household materials into musical instruments allows children to explore sound, rhythm, and design.

Creating shakers from rice and containers, drums from tins, or string instruments from rubber bands stimulates creativity and reinforces STEAM concepts.

It also encourages children to perform in small groups, enhancing teamwork and boosting their musical confidence. The process of designing and testing instruments teaches resilience and iterative thinking.

8. Woodshop

Guided woodworking projects teach children precision, patience, and perseverance.

Children build spatial reasoning, learn tool safety, and develop craftsmanship by making birdhouses and picture frames.

With adult supervision, woodshop activities provide immense satisfaction and a sense of achievement from creating something tangible from scratch.

9. Homemade Playdough

Creating playdough from scratch is a sensory-rich activity that combines science, art, and fun.

Measuring ingredients, kneading the dough, and mixing colours allow children to explore chemical reactions and textures.

Once made, the playdough becomes a medium for imaginative play. Children can sculpt animals, numbers, letters, or entire stories, enhancing their motor skills and language development.

10. Phonics Treasure Hunt

Combining literacy and adventure, a phonics-based treasure hunt engages children in identifying letter sounds and forming words.

Children search for objects or clues that correspond with specific phonetic sounds or letters, helping them associate sounds with real-world items.

The physical aspect of the hunt promotes movement and coordination, while the language component supports reading readiness.

11. Inventions

Encouraging children to invent new gadgets or solve problems with available materials nurtures innovation and analytical skills.

Children can brainstorm, sketch, and prototype using cardboard, tape, and imagination.

This activity enhances problem-solving, engineering thinking, and resilience as children learn from trial and error. Celebrating their ideas, no matter how whimsical, reinforces creativity and initiative.

12. Field Day

Field Day is a highlight of any summer programme, bringing together children in a festival of physical challenges and team-based competitions.

From relay races and tug-of-war to sack races and obstacle courses, Field Day encourages physical activity, healthy competition, and school spirit.

It’s an excellent opportunity for children to showcase their strengths, support their teammates, and celebrate community.

13. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Exploring nature with a checklist of items to find, such as a feather, a red leaf, or a round stone, builds observation skills and environmental curiosity.

It fosters mindfulness and encourages children to slow down, notice details, and engage with the natural world. This activity promotes ecological awareness in a fun, explorative manner.

14. Summer Scrapbook

Documenting summer experiences in a scrapbook helps children reflect on what they’ve learned and enjoyed. They can include photographs, ticket stubs, journal entries, drawings, and more.

The process of arranging and decorating pages improves planning, storytelling, and design skills.

A scrapbook becomes a treasured keepsake, reminding children of their adventures and accomplishments well beyond the season.

Outdoor learning activities blend fresh air, natural environments, and real world experiences to enrich education. These activities nurture children’s natural curiosity, imagination, and brain development.

In this article, we hope to inspire and empower parents and teachers with 12 creatively driven activities that will foster your child’s holistic growth. Let’s get started!

Benefits Of Outdoor Learning Activities

Establishing outdoor learning activities as part of a child’s daily schedule can be greatly beneficial from an overall development perspective. Beyond physical exercise, they powerfully impact a child’s body, mind, and social development.

Benefits of outdoor learning activities include:

• Physical Boost: Children’s outdoor activities benefit physical health by enhancing fitness, coordination, and gross and fine motor skills. Exploration and running, climbing, or scrabbling over natural terrains strengthen children’s endurance and fortify their strength.
• Cognitive Enhancement: Learning in nature stimulates the brain through problem-solving, observation, and hands-on experimentation. In addition, memory recall and critical thinking skills are nurtured with nature scavenger hunts and similar activities.
• Social-Emotional Lift: The outdoors also boosts empathy and emotional recovery. Group activities like team games and exploration tasks help students communicate, wait their turn, and resolve conflicts constructively. These interactions help develop confidence and emotional intelligence.

By integrating outdoor learning activities, parents and educators support children in becoming more well-rounded, self-aware, and capable learners.

12 Outdoor Learning Activities for Children

Outdoor learning activities provide exciting opportunities for experiential education in natural settings. These experiences ignite imagination and stimulate all areas of a child’s development.

1. Bird Watching Adventure

Equipped with a pair of child-friendly binoculars and a simple bird guide, children can observe various bird species in local parks or gardens.

They learn to identify birds by colour, shape, sound, and movement, fostering observational skills and patience.

Encourage children to record their findings in a bird log, enhancing literacy and scientific documentation.

2. Outdoor Science Experiments

Children can perform simple experiments using everyday materials outdoors.

For example, testing which objects float or sink in a water tub or observing how shadows change throughout the day teaches scientific principles in a hands-on manner. These experiments encourage curiosity, hypothesis formation, and critical thinking.

3. Garden Exploration

Gardening activities like planting seeds, watering plants, and observing growth cycles allow children to learn about biology and responsibility.

Understanding the needs of plants and how they grow over time develops patience and care.

Gardens also serve as excellent platforms for discussing sustainability and healthy eating.

4. Nature Scavenger Hunt

A nature scavenger hunt turns a simple walk into a thrilling learning adventure.

Children receive a list of items to find, such as a red leaf, a round stone, or a bird feather.

This activity sharpens observation, categorisation, and spatial awareness while encouraging active exploration.

5. Outdoor Art Projects

Using natural materials such as leaves, twigs, and stones, children can create sculptures, mandalas, or collages.

Painting rocks or making leaf rubbings are excellent ways to merge creativity with tactile experiences.

These art projects promote fine motor skills and imaginative expression in a sensory-rich environment.

6. Nature Memory Game

In this simple game, children are shown a group of natural items for a short time, then one is removed while their eyes are closed.

They must guess which one is missing. This improves attention, visual memory, and recall. It’s an excellent group activity that builds focus and friendly competition.

7. Letter and Number Race

Using chalk or sticks, write letters or numbers on the ground.

Call out one at a time and have the child run to touch or stand on it. This playful game reinforces literacy and numeracy skills while keeping children physically active and engaged.

8. Nature Journaling

Provide children with notebooks and encourage them to record observations, sketches, and thoughts about their surroundings.

Nature journaling helps children build descriptive language, artistic expression, and reflective thinking. It also strengthens mindfulness and appreciation for the natural world.

9. Leaf Printing

Collect leaves of various shapes and sizes, then use paint to create prints on paper.

Children learn about leaf structures, symmetry, and patterns while expressing their creativity. This artistic activity also introduces them to basic botanical vocabulary and texture recognition.

10. Nature Colour Hunt

Give children a colour palette or swatches and challenge them to find natural objects that match each hue.

This activity enhances colour recognition, observation, and appreciation for diversity in the environment. It also introduces early concepts of categorisation and sorting.

11. Nature Walks

Regular walks in parks or forests expose children to seasonal changes, diverse flora and fauna, and varying ecosystems.

Encourage children to collect leaves, ask questions, or take photos. These walks offer immersive learning experiences and foster environmental awareness and physical well-being.

12. Journey Stick

A journey stick is a storytelling tool made by tying found objects (feathers, leaves, bark) to a stick during a walk.

After the journey, children use the stick to retell their adventure in sequence. This supports narrative skills, memory development, and sequencing abilities.

How UNIS Hanoi Boosts Students’ Development with Outdoor Activities

UNIS Hanoi places great value on outdoor learning as a catalyst for academic, social, and emotional development.

Our campus and educational programmes are thoughtfully designed to maximise the benefits of experiential education.

Firstly, our purpose-built campus features open green spaces, outdoor classrooms, and nature-inspired play areas. These facilities provide students with daily access to fresh air and interactive environments where learning comes to life.

Whether it’s a science class in the eco-garden, a literature session under the shade of trees, or maths problems solved on walking trails, our learners engage with academic content actively and meaningfully.

Secondly, through our comprehensive Service Learning programme, students actively participate in community projects that often occur outdoors. These include environmental clean-up initiatives, tree planting, and garden maintenance.

Working in these contexts allows students to connect theory with action, cultivate empathy, and recognise their role in sustainable development.

Thirdly, our trips and expeditions programme introduces students to Vietnam’s diverse geography and culture.

From multi-day hikes in national parks to eco-camps by the sea, these excursions are carefully crafted to support leadership, teamwork, environmental literacy, and independence.

Activities such as orienteering, field research, and cultural immersion promote adaptability and real-world learning.

At UNIS Hanoi, we are committed to nurturing students who are not only academically capable but also environmentally conscious, socially responsible, and prepared to lead in a global context. Learn more about Experiential Learning at UNIS Hanoi.

Nurture a Well-Rounded Child with UNIS Hanoi

Outdoor learning activities nurture physical vitality, intellectual engagement, and emotional resilience in children from an early age. At UNIS Hanoi, we incorporate diverse outdoor learning opportunities that empower our students to thrive in all areas of life.

If you are ready to offer your child an education enriched by creative outdoor learning activities, we warmly invite you to apply to UNIS Hanoi today.

What is global citizenship, and why is it vital in today’s interconnected world? For students, understanding global citizenship helps build a sense of responsibility beyond borders. It shapes their awareness of global issues and encourages empathy, collaboration, and meaningful action.

As the world becomes increasingly globalised, raising globally minded children is no longer optional but essential. Discover how your child can become a global citizen in our article. Let’s get started!

What is Global Citizenship?

Global citizenship is a mindset and practice where individuals see themselves as part of a broader global community.

It involves recognising the interdependence of people and nations, appreciating compassion, and undertaking responsibilities that make the world a better place without exclusivity.

Global citizens respect cultural differences, value human rights, practice responsible social citizenship, and support environmental causes.

For example, a student who participates in international service projects, engages in environmental sustainability initiatives, or raises awareness about social justice concerns shows traits of a global citizen.

They might work to provide funding for clean water projects in underprivileged countries or interact with other students digitally to tackle international issues collaboratively.

These students show they are global citizens through their awareness, compassion, and willingness to take action.

At its core, global citizenship is more than an abstract ideal. It is an active, conscious way of living that nurtures empathy, accountability, and global engagement.

In cultivating global citizens, we equip youth with the potential to become leaders and change agents.

Benefits of Global Citizenship for Students

Global citizenship education offers various benefits that extend beyond academic success. Students who adopt this perspective gain invaluable tools for navigating an increasingly complex world.

Benefits of global citizenship for students include:

• Broader Perspective: Students become increasingly aware of cultural diversity and global interdependence. They appreciate how the happenings in one part of the world can greatly influence another, prompting them to think more critically and compassionately.
• Personal Growth: While addressing global challenges, students undergo self-discovery, which teaches them about themselves and others. They gain confidence, ethical awareness, and a stronger sense of identity. In addition, they learn to cultivate resilience, humility, and greater openness for personal development.
• Improved Problem-solving Skills: Students need to devise novel solutions to world problems, which requires them to think differently and from various angles. Students put their minds together to come up with new methods while analysing intricate data.
• Educational and Cultural Enrichment: Through language acquisition, students gain historical, social, and scientific knowledge, developing intercultural competence. Field trips, cultural exchanges, and global classroom projects further enrich students’ learning.
• Enhanced Career Opportunities: Employers highly value global citizens for their adaptability, cultural fluency, cross-border collaboration, and responsible innovation. Their competency also makes them better equipped for various jobs and career paths.

Ultimately, global citizenship education shapes students to become informed, responsible, and active participants in society.

How Schools Promote Global Citizenship in the Classroom

Fostering global citizenship allows students to participate in the classroom with informed attitudes and skills for authentic engagement. It begins with a curriculum and school culture that promote critical thinking, cultural understanding, and responsible action.

Asking Questions

Encouraging open-ended questions allows students to think about global issues, culture, and social justice, supporting their self-directed learning.

Boosting inquiry fosters the ability to think critically, engage, and interact with diverse, multilayered ideas.

At UNIS Hanoi, we implement this through project-based learning, the IB curriculum, and inquiry-based lessons.

Students pose essential questions such as “How does climate change affect different regions?” or “What are the causes of global inequality?” This approach cultivates deeper engagement and independent thinking.

Making Connections

Recognising the links between personal experiences and global systems allows students to see the relevance of global citizenship in their daily lives.

Making connections helps them understand how local actions influence global outcomes and vice versa. It reinforces the idea that these issues are not abstract but deeply personal and interconnected.

We at UNIS Hanoi encourage students to draw links between their personal lives and global themes through integrated units of inquiry, collaborative projects, and cross-cultural exchanges.

For instance, when studying local water use, students explore access to clean water in other parts of the world, recognising both similarities and disparities.

Exploring Viewpoints and Values

A key component of global citizenship is appreciating different viewpoints and respecting diverse values. This includes reflecting on one’s own beliefs and being open to others.

Our classrooms at UNIS Hanoi provide safe, inclusive spaces for dialogue. Students engage in discussions about global ethics, human rights, and cultural differences, guided by teachers trained in intercultural competence.

Activities like Model United Nations (MUN) simulations and literature circles cultivate understanding and appreciation of differing perspectives.

Responding as Active Global Citizens

Beyond awareness, global citizenship also includes responsible action.

Schools must give students opportunities to apply their learning in real-world contexts, making positive contributions to their communities and the wider world.

Active participation strengthens civic responsibility and personal agency.

UNIS Hanoi promotes active global citizenship through our Service Learning curriculum and Community Programmes, and more.

Our students conduct recycling drives, partner with local NGOs, and run awareness campaigns for international humanitarian initiatives.

These experiences encourage students to become proactive contributors to global well-being.

Assessing Learning

In global citizenship education, schools need to assess the cognitive and affective dimensions for the learning to be impactful. This means looking into what students have, how they put that into action, and how they evolve individually.

At UNIS Hanoi, assessment is holistic and formative. Students show their understanding through reflection, digital portfolios, journals, exhibitions, and presentations.

These assessments measure comprehension, track personal growth, ethical reasoning, and collaboration, and serve as key indicators of global citizenship.

Raise Your Child to Become a Global Citizen with UNIS Hanoi

At UNIS Hanoi, we take global citizenship seriously because we understand its transformative power. Indeed, we prepare students to be inquirers and changemakers and act with integrity and compassion, empowering them to navigate a complex world.

If this is how you envision your child’s future, join us at UNIS Hanoi. Discover how your child can become part of this journey. Apply now and become part of a community that is shaping tomorrow, today.

Effective questioning in the classroom cultivates learning processes and brain development in students. When used strategically, it stimulates students to think, reflect on learning, and explain their comprehension.

The following sections will delve into the meaning of effective questioning, its advantages, and 9 powerful questioning techniques to maximise students’ learning results.

What Is Effective Questioning In the Classroom?

Effective questioning in the classroom refers to the purposeful use of questions by teachers to stimulate student thinking, assess understanding, and encourage deeper inquiry.

Rather than relying solely on questions with straightforward answers, skilled educators use open-ended, thought-provoking prompts that invite discussion, foster curiosity, and promote reasoning.

Such questioning techniques are not incidental but deliberately planned. They help guide lessons, check for misconceptions, and scaffold learning.

The way teachers ask questions, including their words, timing, and types of questions, directly influences how your child responds and stays engaged in learning.

For example, higher-order questions based on Bloom’s taxonomy challenge students to analyse, evaluate, and create, whereas lower-order questions may focus on recalling facts.

At UNIS Hanoi, we ensure our educators receive professional development in this area to support high-quality teaching and learning across all grade levels.

Benefits Of Effective Questioning For Students

Effective questioning goes beyond checking for correct answers. It transforms the classroom into an active, collaborative space where learning thrives. For parents, understanding these benefits underscores the importance of teacher-student interactions.

• Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Thought-provoking questions push students to examine their reasoning and explore various viewpoints. This nurtures independent thinking and problem-solving abilities that are essential for lifelong learning.
• Enable Teachers to Assess Learning: Through questions, teachers can gauge student comprehension in real-time, identifying areas of misunderstanding and adjusting instruction accordingly. This ongoing assessment helps ensure every child receives the support they need.
• Develop Students’ Metacognition: Reflecting on their thinking helps students understand how they learn. This awareness enables them to apply learning strategies more effectively and take ownership of their progress.

UNIS Hanoi’s educators use it to build knowledge and support students’ emotional and cognitive growth. We use questioning to develop curious, confident learners ready to make a meaningful impact.

Top 9 Effective Classroom Questioning Techniques

Effective questioning in the classroom is best achieved when teachers draw from a repertoire of strategies that engage all students. Below are 9 powerful techniques we use at UNIS Hanoi to foster deeper thinking and enhance understanding.

How Do You Know?

This strategy prompts students to explain the reasoning behind their answers. It helps them articulate the evidence or logic supporting their thinking, reinforcing their understanding.

UNIS Hanoi’s teachers routinely ask students “How do you know?” during discussions in subjects like Mathematics and Science. This encourages learners to move beyond guessing and become confident in justifying their conclusions using facts or personal observations.

What’s the Same and What’s Different?

Comparative questions like this develop analytical skills. They help students identify patterns, make connections, and understand distinctions between concepts or ideas.

We integrate this technique across multiple subjects.

For example, in English Language classes, students compare characters or texts, while in Social Studies, they explore similarities and differences between cultures or historical events. It promotes thoughtful analysis and a broader perspective.

Can You Imagine?

This questioning technique taps into creativity and abstract thinking. Asking students to imagine a scenario encourages them to visualise, hypothesise, and innovate.

Our teachers at UNIS Hanoi use “Can you imagine?” questions in design thinking projects, literature discussions, and environmental studies.

Whether they’re visualising life in space or imagining the outcome of a scientific experiment, students think outside the box with encouragement and support.

Is It Always, Sometimes, or Never True?

These questions challenge students to consider the scope and limitations of a statement. They evaluate generalisations and exceptions, promoting critical evaluation.

Our teachers use this technique effectively in subjects like Mathematics and Ethics.

Students might be asked whether a mathematical rule always holds true or if a moral principle applies in every situation. This cultivates flexible thinking.

Can You Convince Me?

Asking students to persuade the teacher or peers builds argumentation and reasoning skills. It also fosters respectful debate and dialogue.

We use this strategy in debates, persuasive writing exercises, and Science fair presentations.

At UNIS Hanoi, learners are encouraged to use evidence and logic to construct compelling arguments, enhancing oral and written communication.

What Do You Notice?

This open-ended question trains students to observe closely and express their observations. It is often used at the beginning of new topics to encourage inquiry.

Our teachers use “What do you notice?” in early years and primary classes, particularly in Maths or Art.

Whether observing a pattern in numbers or a detail in an artwork, students learn to pay attention and describe their insights clearly.

Are You Sure?

This question urges students to double-check their thinking. It builds self-reflection and encourages a growth mindset by normalising mistakes as part of learning.

UNIS Hanoi creates a safe space for students to reconsider their answers without fear.

In Science labs or during problem-solving tasks, asking “Are you sure?” leads to revisiting evidence and refining understanding.

Is There Another Way?

Encouraging students to explore multiple methods promotes creativity and flexibility. It shows there isn’t always just one right answer or one correct path.

Our educators use this question when solving problems in Maths or approaching design challenges.

At UNIS Hanoi, we value diverse thinking and support students in developing various strategies for success.

I Think I Understand What You Mean, Are You Saying?

This reflective question models active listening and helps clarify student responses. It shows that their ideas matter and encourages them to elaborate.

Teachers at UNIS Hanoi use this technique during discussions or conferences to deepen dialogue.

It also builds trust, as students feel heard and valued, and are more willing to engage in meaningful conversations.

Develop All-Rounded Children with UNIS Hanoi

Effective questioning in the classroom is a cornerstone of meaningful education. It supports intellectual development, fosters curiosity, and builds confidence in learners. At UNIS Hanoi, we employ various questioning strategies to challenge, inspire, and support every student.

By creating a culture of inquiry, we help our students become analytical thinkers and articulate communicators. Join us in shaping globally-minded, well-rounded learners. Apply to UNIS Hanoi today to give your child an exceptional, inquiry-based education.

Interdisciplinary learning connects subject areas to foster deeper understanding and real-world relevance. By engaging in integrated units and projects, our students enhance critical thinking, collaboration, and lifelong learning.

This article examines what interdisciplinary learning entails, its benefits, practical implementations, parental support strategies, and UNIS Hanoi’s distinctive approach.

What Is Interdisciplinary Learning?

Interdisciplinary learning is a collaboration of two or more disciplines to address a theme, problem, or question, enabling students to integrate and apply knowledge across subject boundaries.

MYP (Middle Years Programme) students demonstrate interdisciplinary understanding by explaining phenomena, solving problems, or designing and developing innovative products using concepts, procedures, and forms of communication from multiple subject groups.

This approach mirrors real-world practice, as professionals routinely draw on diverse fields to address complex issues. Interdisciplinary learning focuses on the relationships between disciplines and enables students to understand how their work connects with life beyond school.

Benefits of Interdisciplinary Learning

Interdisciplinary learning yields multiple educational advantages:

• Critical Thinking Skills: Viewing problems through different disciplinary lenses encourages students to evaluate information and alternative solutions, enhancing critical thinking skills.
• Holistic Understanding: Combining thinking from different subjects to attain a broad understanding of intricate issues, which prevents compartmentalised thinking and promotes deeper understanding.
• Real-world Relevance: Solving real-life issues in class helps learners acquire the knowledge needed for modern life and future employment.
• Collaboration and Communication: Working in diverse teams strengthens interpersonal skills, as students learn to articulate ideas clearly and negotiate differing perspectives.
• Academic Success: Connecting subjects supports memory retention and transfer of learning, often resulting in improved performance across core disciplines.
• Global Perspective: Addressing global themes, such as sustainability or social justice, encourages students to consider worldwide contexts and develop empathy for diverse cultures and viewpoints.
• Lifelong Learning: The skills cultivated through interdisciplinary learning, including curiosity, adaptability, and problem-solving, prepare students for ongoing personal and professional growth beyond school.

By offering these benefits, interdisciplinary learning equips students with the competencies and mindset essential for success in an increasingly complex, interconnected world.

How Schools Implement Interdisciplinary Learning

Bridging subject boundaries requires creative teaching and thoughtful design. At UNIS Hanoi, these strategies form an integral part of our MYP approach.

Project-Based Learning (PBL)

UNIS Hanoi MYP Project-Based Learning enables students to explore and address real-world issues on an extended timeline, forming strong connections between their learning and life beyond the classroom.

Through cycles of planning, execution, and evaluation, learners hone research skills, collaborative practices, and communication strategies.

At UNIS Hanoi, Phoenix’ Nest exemplifies PBL in practice. Here, students tackle sustainability projects, such as reducing single-use plastics and exploring renewable energy, by combining scientific investigation with environmental advocacy.

Besides, cultural exploration initiatives invite learners to craft exhibitions on Hanoi’s heritage, melding art, history, and language.

Theme-based Units

Theme-based Units structure the MYP curriculum around central ideas, such as identity, systems, or innovation, to encourage students to draw connections across subjects.

Each unit begins with a compelling inquiry question, followed by scaffolded activities.

For instance, UNIS Hanoi’s programme illustrates this through its English Language and Literature 7 course, which investigates dystopian narratives and their commentary on contemporary issues.

Students examine novels, films, and media, participate in writing workshops, and produce creative texts ranging from short stories to analytical essays.

STEM and Arts (STEAM)

Integrating STEM and Arts (often termed STEAM) encourages MYP students to apply scientific and mathematical principles alongside creativity and design thinking.

At UNIS Hanoi, the student-led UNISTEM club exemplifies STEM excellence, having developed an “Infection Simulator” game on the Roblox platform.

Organised into design, programming, marketing, finance, and robotics teams, the 35-member group secured an Impact Fund Grant to model pandemic scenarios, teaching players about epidemiology and vaccine development.

How Parents Can Support Interdisciplinary Learning

Parents play a vital role in reinforcing interdisciplinary learning at home. To support your child:

• Encourage Curiosity: Regularly discuss connections between school subjects. For example, explore how mathematical concepts underpin music rhythms or how history shapes scientific advancements.
• Support Projects with Resources: Provide access to books, documentaries, or museum visits that enrich school projects. Collaborate on project planning and offer constructive feedback to deepen understanding.
• Relate School Topics to Real Life: Demonstrate practical applications, for instance, use budgeting exercises to illustrate maths skills, or cook international recipes to discuss geography, culture, and science.

By engaging actively in these ways, parents reinforce the integrated learning experiences that UNIS Hanoi offers, ensuring that students make meaningful connections between their studies and the wider world.

How UNIS Hanoi Implements Interdisciplinary Learning

Our MYP programme is built around interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to connect knowledge across different subject areas and see the relevance of their studies in real-world contexts.

Key elements include:

• Subject Integration: Educators work together to create plans which interlace several units, concepts, and skills from various subjects, ensuring coherence and depth.
• Project-Based Learning: Students investigate complicated problems using a combination of disciplines through authentic, inquiry-based projects that reflect professional practice.
• Team Teaching and Planning: Regular collaborative planning sessions allow educators to align their lessons in broader themes which cross traditional subject boundaries for more unified learning.
• Flexible Grouping: Students work in diverse teams, promoting peer learning and exposing them to varied perspectives and strengths.
• Authentic Assessment: Students who complete exhibitions, develop portfolios, and perform interdisciplinary tasks showcase their learning and demonstrate understanding through authentic assessment.
• Professional Development: Through workshops and other instructional activities and meetings, educators learn new strategies needed to construct and teach interdisciplinary units.
• Reflection and Metacognition: Structured reflection activities encourage students to examine their thinking processes, helping them articulate how they integrate knowledge and develop skills.
• Community Partnerships: Collaborations with local organisations and experts provide real-world contexts for interdisciplinary projects, enriching learning and strengthening community ties.

UNIS Hanoi’s educational philosophy stresses learning as an interactive, integrated process – a hallmark of interdisciplinary education. Our MYP personal projects further promote autonomy, requiring students to design and complete an independent investigation that unites multiple subject areas and addresses genuine interests.

Embrace Interdisciplinary Learning with UNIS Hanoi

Interdisciplinary learning in our MYP ensures students develop the critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity needed for real-world success. At UNIS Hanoi, we integrate subject knowledge through thematic units, projects, and authentic assessments, preparing young learners for future challenges.

Discover how our holistic, inquiry-driven approach can empower your child’s growth – apply now to join the UNIS Hanoi community.

Active learning strategies transform classrooms by placing students at the centre of the learning process, inviting them to think, discuss, and create rather than passively receive information. Built on constructivist principles, it builds upon learners’ prior knowledge to foster deeper understanding and engagement.

At UNIS Hanoi, we embed these approaches across our International Baccalaureate programmes to develop critical thinkers and collaborative, reflective learners ready for real-world challenges.

What is Active Learning?

Active learning promotes students’ learning involvement through thinking, discussing, or creating during lessons instead of passively receiving information. It enables learners to be accountable for knowledge construction, nurture skills’ mastery, and understand things more deeply.

Active learning shifts away from traditional instruction by engaging students in problem-solving, discussion, and collaboration, making learning more interactive and student-centered.

Active listening focuses on integrating new concepts with experiences, helping learners build deeper, longer-lasting understanding.

At UNIS Hanoi, we incorporate inquiry-based learning along with project-based learning. Our approach enables students to reflect and actively engage with their learning in the context of the IB curriculum.

Benefits of Active Learning Strategies

Active learning strategies offer various advantages that extend beyond immediate academic performance. Directly involving students in their learning builds essential skills for success in and beyond the classroom.

Key benefits include:

• Boosted Retention: Active learning enhances memory by prompting learners to manipulate and apply information through discussion, analysis, and creation, rather than simply receiving it. Students internalise knowledge more effectively when they are involved in its construction.
• Critical Thinking: Engaging with real-world problems and open-ended questions stimulates analytical thinking. Debates, case studies, and problem-solving challenge students to evaluate information, consider alternatives, and justify conclusions.
• Collaboration: Group-based strategies like think-pair-share and learning circles encourage communication, cooperation, and respect for diverse viewpoints, developing interpersonal competencies crucial for team-based environments.
• Engagement: Interactive lessons hold students’ attention, reducing passivity and increasing motivation. Various formats, such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic, helps accommodate different learning styles.
• Lifelong Learning: Active learning builds students’ curiosity, inquiry, and self-direction. These skills empower students to take responsibility for their academic progress, preparing them for continual growth in an ever-changing world.

9 Active Learning Strategies to Engage Students

The following 9 strategies highlight how UNIS Hanoi promotes active learning through IB inquiry units, faculty development, and the integration of service learning.

1. Think-Pair-Share

Think-pair-share consists of three steps. First, every student reflects individually on a prompt. Then, they discuss their ideas with a partner. Finally, they present their insights to the whole class.

This scaffolded approach balances individual thinking with peer interaction, promoting confidence and deeper processing.

At UNIS Hanoi, our IB Programme teachers routinely employ think-pair-share within inquiry units. First, they ask a provocative question, then pair students to discuss before opening to class-wide discourse, thus supporting deeper engagement and formative assessment.

2. Case Studies

Case studies situate learners in authentic scenarios, requiring them to apply theory to practice, evaluate data, and formulate evidence-based solutions.

In the DP, Theory of Knowledge teachers present interdisciplinary cases, such as ethical dilemmas in biotechnology, prompting students to evaluate arguments, weigh consequences, and reflect on knowledge claims.

In the Diploma Programme, UNIS Hanoi applies case studies about global issues like sustainability challenges in the Theory of Knowledge and other subject-specific courses.

In this way, students can engage in interdisciplinary analysis and develop sophisticated argumentation skills.

Our collaborative assessment model encourages small groups to jointly research, debate, and co-author solutions, mirroring real‐world professional teams

3. Posters & Gallery Walk

Posters & Gallery Walk blends visual learning with peer feedback, as students produce graphics – posters, infographics, or concept maps – and display them around the room.

Classmates circulate, examining each display and annotating questions or commendations on sticky notes, fostering movement and dialogue.

At UNIS Hanoi, service-learning classes in Middle School design action-plan posters addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals.

During gallery walks, respondents highlight strengths and pose questions, enriching students’ reflection before project implementation.

4. Problem-Based Learning

Problem-based learning (PBL) situates students at the heart of complex, real-world problems, guiding them to identify learning needs, conduct research, and collaboratively propose solutions.

In our IB Programme, UNIS Hanoi students investigate local environmental concerns (such as water quality and plan experiments), gather data and present findings to the community, thereby blending scientific inquiry with civic engagement.

PBL at UNIS Hanoi emphasises the research cycle: question, investigate, create, reflect; developing content mastery and metacognitive skills.

5. Learning Circles and Communities

Learning circles involve small groups engaging in cyclical discussion, feedback, and reflection cycles to deepen understanding.

At UNIS Hanoi, our Professional Learning Communities empower faculty to co-create dynamic learning environments.

Through shared tools like gallery walks, debates, and interactive stations, teachers refine their practices using peer feedback and collective expertise.

6. Role-Play

Role-play facilitates the ability to incorporate students into differing perspectives. Children build empathy and strengthen problem-solving skills by taking on the roles of characters and stakeholders.

In subject classes, UNIS Hanoi students enact diplomatic negotiations, mock trials or intercultural dialogues, practising subject-specific vocabulary and negotiation techniques within authentic contexts.

This dynamic approach enhances linguistic fluency, intercultural awareness, and problem-solving skills, which are key IB Learner Profile attributes.

7. Debates and Discussions

Structured debates require learners to research positions, construct evidence-based arguments, and engage in formal rebuttals, honing critical analysis and public-speaking capabilities.

UNIS Hanoi’s MYP and DP students often participate in Model United Nations, debating global issues such as climate policy or human rights and reflecting on the real-world impact of their proposals.

8. Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning encompasses hands-on activities like laboratory experiments, simulations, and service projects, where students “learn by doing”. It enables students to link theoretical content to tangible activities and critically reflect on outcomes.

UNIS Hanoi’s Service Learning Programme partners learners with community organisations to co-design and deliver workshops, environmental clean-ups, or educational events.

After that, ongoing reflection transforms these actions into meaningful lessons in leadership and engagement.

9. Field Trips and Site Visits

Field Trips and Site Visits extend learning into authentic environments, museums, ecosystems, businesses, immersing students in real-world settings that spark curiosity and contextualise academic concepts.

UNIS Hanoi organises grade-level expeditions, such as visits to Cuc Phuong National Park for biodiversity studies or urban service projects for local NGOs.

During these field trips, students collect primary data, consult experts, and integrate observations into IB assessment tasks. These experiences reinforce global perspectives and connect classroom learning to professional practice.

Grow Your Child in an Active Learning Environment with UNIS Hanoi

At UNIS Hanoi, we cultivate an educational culture where inquiry, collaboration, and reflection drive every lesson. Our IB curriculum integrates active learning strategies – from project-based units to immersive service learning – empowering students to become critical thinkers, effective communicators and socially responsible global citizens.

Discover how your child can thrive in this dynamic, hands-on environment. Visit our admissions page to apply and join the UNIS Hanoi community: our next chapter of engaged, lifelong learning awaits!

The Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test is an adaptive assessment designed to measure students’ academic achievement and growth over time. Developed by the Northwest Evaluation Association, MAP provides educators and families with detailed insights into a child’s strengths and areas for development.

In this guide, we explore what MAP testing is, its purposes, how to prepare, and how UNIS Hanoi uses MAP data to personalise education and foster each student’s success.

What is MAP Testing?

MAP Testing is a computer-adaptive assessment that evaluates achievement for individual learners in subjects such as reading, language usage, and mathematics for different grades.

MAP assessments are unlike fixed-designed tests as the questions change based on how the student responds to each question. As a result, they provide a reliable measurement of the student’s current proficiency.

As students answer correctly, the software selects more challenging items; incorrect responses lead to easier questions, allowing for precise mapping of academic growth.

Schools use MAP results to align instruction with global standards and to place pupils in appropriate learning pathways. Each MAP assessment covers three core domains: Reading, Language Usage, with Science included in select administrations.

Students typically complete MAP tests twice a year, with each session lasting approximately 45–60 minutes and untimed to minimise stress.

With a MAP testing score, educators and parents can track children’s academic strengths and learning gaps. This personalised insight is one of the core aims of MAP testing, as we will explore further below.

Purposes of MAP Testing

The main aim of MAP Testing is to provide educators, families, and learners with insightful data that drives instructional decisions and fosters academic growth.

By creating instructions around each student’s readiness level, MAP assessments facilitate targeted instruction and measurable growth.

Below are primary purposes of MAP testing:

• Personalised Learning Plans: MAP data identifies individual strengths and gaps, allowing teachers to tailor instruction to each learner’s needs.
• Goal Setting and Growth Tracking: RIT scores establish clear benchmarks for expected growth. Students and teachers set realistic goals and monitor progress over time.
• Immediate Feedback: Upon completion, adaptive testing yields instant performance reports, enabling prompt intervention and support where required.
• Parental Involvement: MAP detailed reports encourage meaningful family–school partnerships, as parents can celebrate successes and support areas requiring additional practice.

By integrating these functions, MAP testing helps create a responsive educational environment that empowers teachers, administrators, and parents to take actionable steps.

How Parents Can Support Their Children with MAP Testing

Parents play a vital role in ensuring that MAP assessments accurately reflect their child’s abilities and growth. Below are two key areas where parental support is particularly valuable.

Preparing for the Test Day

Good preparation begins well before assessment day. A calm, confident child is more likely to engage fully and perform to their potential.

To prepare your children for the test day, parents can:

• Ensure sufficient sleep. Younger children benefit from 10-11 hours of sleep per night, and teenagers from around 8.5 hours to support concentration and memory consolidation. Well-rested students can focus more effectively and better manage social challenges such as peer pressure in teenagers, which may otherwise affect their emotional readiness and academic engagement.
• Provide a nutritious breakfast. Serving oatmeal or yoghurt with fruit supplies steady energy and essential nutrients without a sugar crash, which has been shown to improve morning cognitive function.
• Encourage physical activity. A brief routine of stretching, a family walk, or playful exercise releases endorphins, reducing test-related stress and sharpening focus.
• Maintain a positive attitude. Emphasising effort, learning, and personal growth over scores cultivates a growth mindset, which research links to greater motivation and resilience in children.

Supporting Language, Reading, and Math Skills

Helping your child build their reading, writing, and maths abilities at home doesn’t have to be formal or difficult. Regular, low-pressure activities make learning enjoyable and reinforce key skills tested in MAP assessments.

Here are several ways that parents can support their children:

• Engage in daily reading: Reading for at least 15-20 minutes daily increases vocabulary and text comprehension, which improves literacy outcomes, especially when students read picture books or even articles for older students.
• Use math games to teach concepts: Conceptual maths like doubling and halving recipes become practical and fun when applied in the kitchen, promoting numerical reasoning through engaging hands-on activities.
• Encourage regular writing: Journals or friendly letters provide informal, stress-free outlets for children to organise thoughts and practise spelling and grammar, enhancing their written language skills.
• Play word games: Simple games like those offered by the British Council or homemade vocabulary quizzes immerse children in new terms and definitions, boosting word knowledge in a fun, low-stakes format.

By integrating these practices into family routines, parents create a low-stress, enriching environment that complements in-school learning and keeps pupils actively developing core competencies.

How UNIS Hanoi Integrates MAP Testing

At UNIS Hanoi, we view MAP Testing as an integral component of our student-centred pedagogical model.

Our school employs the MAP Screener, a concise form of the MAP Growth Assessment designed to quickly identify incoming pupils’ academic levels during the admissions process. This screener evaluates language, reading, and mathematics with sufficient precision to guide placement decisions and tailor initial learning plans.

Our educational philosophy emphasises individualised, skills-based learning where each learner’s progress informs subsequent instructional design.

By integrating MAP assessment data into our continuum of learning, we can track growth in discrete skills and pinpoint specific areas for targeted intervention. Teachers analyse RIT trajectories alongside IB framework benchmarks to align curriculum delivery with each student’s readiness and potential.

Furthermore, our collaborative Professional Learning Communities utilise MAP results to reflect on teaching strategies, evaluate programme efficacy, and share best practices across departments.

Regular MAP administrations throughout the year enable us to measure the impact of instructional adjustments in near real-time, ensuring our learners receive the support they need to thrive academically and personally.

We also actively involve families by sharing comprehensive MAP reports and discussing growth goals during parent-teacher conferences. This partnership fosters a shared understanding of student needs and reinforces our commitment to continuous improvement.

Through the strategic use of MAP assessments, UNIS Hanoi upholds our mission to cultivate curious, capable, and confident learners equipped for success in the IB Programme and beyond.

By joining us, your child benefits from a tailored education grounded in international standards. Apply now and become part of our dynamic, forward-thinking school community!

Raising well-rounded, emotionally healthy children requires more than academic instruction. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) fosters essential life skills such as empathy, emotional regulation, and responsible decision-making.

We will take a closer look at social emotional learning: what it means, why it matters, and how to support it in everyday school and family life. Let’s delve in!

What Is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is an educational framework designed to cultivate essential life skills in students.

It includes identifying emotions, self-regulation, empathy, the ability to set, plan, and achieve goals, demonstrating empathy, building healthy relationships, and making responsible choices.

SEL is integral to education, nurturing the whole child and ensuring they develop into well-rounded individuals.

At UNIS Hanoi, we view SEL as a cornerstone of personal growth, enabling students to thrive in diverse settings and laying the groundwork for their lifelong well-being and success.

5 Core Skills of Social Emotional Learning

At the heart of social emotional learning lie five interrelated competencies that scaffold students’ emotional and social growth.

Below, we introduce each and outline their significance:

• Self-awareness: Recognising one’s emotions, values, and strengths, and understanding how they influence thoughts and behaviours.
• Self-management: Effectively regulating emotions, thoughts, and behaviours in different situations and setting personal and academic goals.
• Social awareness: Empathising with others from diverse backgrounds and cultures, understanding social norms and recognising support available in the community.
• Relationship skills: Establishing and maintaining healthy and rewarding relationships through clear communication, active listening, and conflict resolution.
• Responsible decision-making: Making ethical, constructive choices about personal and social behaviour based on consideration of consequences and wellbeing of self and others.

These core skills work together to support academic success and positive mental health, enabling students to navigate complex social landscapes.

Benefits of Social Emotional Learning for Students

Implementing social emotional learning yields measurable benefits across academic, emotional, and social domains.

Students who develop social emotional learning competencies demonstrate:

• Academic Success: Enhanced engagement, improved test scores, and higher graduation rates, as emotional regulation enables focused learning.
• Improved Mental Health: Decreased anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and behavior problems through awareness and coping skills.
• Better Relationships: Improved peer relationships, increased overall peer acceptance, and reduced bullying because of empathic and relationship skills building.
• Future Readiness: Development of resilience, collaboration, and leadership qualities essential for higher education and career pathways.

By emphasising emotional literacy and interpersonal competence, social emotional learning cultivates a holistic growth trajectory, equipping students to thrive in and beyond the classroom.

How Schools Implement Social Emotional Learning

Effective social emotional learning implementation requires strategic school-wide initiatives, professional development, and curriculum integration. We introduce four key approaches employed at UNIS Hanoi and similar institutions.

Create a Supportive Environment

Schools establish caring climates where all members feel safe, respected, and valued. This involves clear behavioural expectations, restorative practices for conflict resolution, and dedicated spaces for mindfulness breaks.

At UNIS Hanoi, our pastoral care teams collaborate with teachers to ensure classrooms nurture emotional and academic growth.

Embrace Diversity

Recognising and celebrating students’ varied cultural, linguistic, and socio-emotional backgrounds deepens social awareness.

Through inclusive pedagogy, multicultural assemblies and heritage celebrations, we foster empathy and respect for difference – cornerstones of social emotional learning.

Make Space for Reflection

Regular reflection activities, such as journaling, class circle discussions, and guided mindfulness, to encourage students to process experiences, recognise emotional patterns, and set personal goals.

UNIS Hanoi’s IB units integrate reflective journals, allowing students to connect content with their own social and emotional development.

Share Teachers’ Experiences

Our educators model SEL competencies by sharing their own experiences and strategies for managing emotions and relationships. This transparency fosters trust and provides students with practical examples of social emotional learning in action.

By weaving SEL across school culture, curriculum and staff collaboration, institutions build systemic capacity to support students’ whole-child development.

How Parents Can Support Social Emotional Learning

Parents play a pivotal role in reinforcing social emotional learning at home. Age-appropriate activities strengthen the bridge between school and family, fostering consistent emotional growth. Below, we outline strategies for different developmental stages.

For Toddlers and Preschool Children

Early childhood is a formative period for emotional vocabulary and self-regulation.

Parents can support by:

• Parental Guidance: Model naming emotions (“I feel happy when we play this game”) and coach simple coping strategies (deep breaths).
• Mood Charts: Use visual charts with faces representing different feelings; encourage children to point to their mood throughout the day.
• Play: Engage in cooperative games and role-play scenarios, highlighting sharing, turn-taking, and empathy.

These playful, supportive interactions lay the groundwork for self-awareness and social awareness in later years.

For Elementary School Children

As children grow, they benefit from creative expression and structured mindfulness.

Parents can support by:

• Arts & Play: Facilitate art projects (drawing emotions, creating emotion-charades) and cooperative board games that require collaboration and rule-following.
• Mindfulness Activities: Introduce age-appropriate guided meditations or breathing exercises – five minutes after school can help children transition from academic to family time.

Such activities reinforce self-management and relationship skills in a relaxed, engaging context.

For Middle Schoolers and High Schoolers

Adolescents thrive with opportunities for introspection and autonomy.

Parents can support by:

• Journal Reflection: Encourage regular journaling prompts (for example, “Describe a time you showed kindness today”) to deepen self-awareness and responsible decision-making. Mindfulness Apps and Activities: Recommend reputable mindfulness or wellbeing apps tailored for teens, and practice guided sessions together once weekly.
• Art & Performance: Support participation in drama, music or visual arts, where expressing emotions and collaborating on projects builds social awareness and relationship skills.

By alternating structured reflection with creative and technological tools, parents help older students integrate social emotional learning into their emerging identities and broader life choices.

How UNIS Hanoi Prioritises Social Emotional Learning

At UNIS Hanoi, social emotional learning is central to our whole child approach to education, seamlessly woven into our IB PYP, MYP, and DP frameworks.

We deliver dedicated social emotional learning lessons – aligned with the five core competencies – while integrating emotional and social learning objectives within academic units.

For example, PYP inquiry projects include explicit SEL goals, such as collaborative problem solving or empathy-building activities.

Our Student Support Services further underpin social emotional learning through a tiered Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. Dedicated counsellors and educational psychologists work alongside teachers to identify students requiring targeted interventions.

Tier 1 services embed universal SEL strategies into every classroom; Tier 2 offers small-group skill-building workshops; Tier 3 provides individual counselling and parent-teacher-student planning.

This holistic model ensures every learner receives the appropriate level of emotional support, fostering resilience and wellbeing across our community.

Furthermore, professional development for our faculty includes ongoing SEL training, reflective practice sessions and access to global best-practice networks.

Through collaboration with IB workshop leaders and external SEL experts, we ensure our approach remains dynamic and evidence-based.

By embedding social emotional learning across curriculum, culture, and student services, UNIS Hanoi cultivates emotionally intelligent, socially responsible, and academically motivated learners.

Foster Social Emotional Learning with UNIS Hanoi

Social Emotional Learning supports every student’s ability to connect, reflect, and thrive. As parents, choosing an environment that actively nurtures these skills is one of the most important decisions you can make.

At UNIS Hanoi, social emotional learning is part of our culture, curriculum, and community. We are committed to helping every child grow with purpose and empathy.

Apply today to join UNIS Hanoi, where your child’s full potential is our shared goal!