Dubai schools set to reopen: Are you nervous?

It's normal for both parents and children to feel nervous, but once they get used to the new schedule things get back to normal in a week.

It's back to school in a few days. Even if we've already prepared the school bags, uniforms, books and other supplies, still one of the hitches both students and parents face is the first-day school jitters.

Is it normal for kids -- new students, transferees and returning students -- to feel quite nervous on the first day (or week) of school?

A reassuring yes, said Lesley Isherwood, principal of GEMS Al Barsha National School. "Of course, children of all ages can feel quite nervous when starting a new school or returning to their existing school after a holiday as can be their parents," Isherwood told Khaleej Times on Tuesday.
Also read: This is how Dubai's new school buses will keep children safe

"When a child (and parents) return to school or start a new school it can be daunting as everything is new," Isherwood explained. "The child has to become familiar with new routines, new teachers, new timetables and to make new friends, all at the same time. They can feel insecure and may lack confidence."

Isherwood said there is no need to hit the panic button. "We can reassure them (students and parents) that this happens all the time. Starting or returning to school after a holiday requires the child (and parents) to settle into a new routine, to build relationships with new teachers and friends, to become familiar with a new classroom or new building," she underlined.

Annie Mathew, supervisor for the primary department at Little Flower Englsih School in Deira, agrees. "Definitely it's just normal to be quite perturbed," she said.
Also read: Poor UAE students to receive Dh200,000 aid for education

"After enjoying two months of waking up late, their laid-back routine will soon change -- they now have to sleep early, wake up early and there will be home works after school," Mathew explained.

So, how can we get the kids to a school routine?

Isherwood has this advice for parents: "As a parent talk to your child about the (new) school and what to expect. Share the experience of buying new uniform and supplies."

"Share information received from the school such as the school brochure and lunchtime menus etc. If possible, visit the school before the first day and meet your child's class teacher (if in primary) or form tutor (if in secondary).

"Establish the new school routine in the week before the starting/returning to school. School can help by arranging a buddy for your child to be friends with on arrival and by supporting your child with a carefully planned induction.

And lastly, "do communicate regularly with the school staff during the settling in period to address any concerns or queries."

For Mathew, teachers have a big role to play -- after all they serve as the 'second parents' to the kids.

"It is the teacher's responsibility to make the students feel comfortable," she said. "That's why we always start the school year with a 'welcome back assembly'.

"Teachers can also ask the students to share how they spent their holidays and why is it important to have a life-school work balance," Mathew added.

Usually the uneasiness will last for a couple of days or even the first week of school, both Mathew and Isherwood agreed.

"But once children become accustomed to these (school environment) changes, through carefully planned support and guidance, they soon become confident and less nervous," Isherwood confirmed.

angel@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai