Schultüte – A Sweet Start to School Life

Today marks the first day of school for many children around the UAE. It’s a day filled with excitement and nerves for students, parents and teachers alike. Today also marks an exciting first for this blog – our first guest contributor. Nadine Reiling is a mother, a teacher, an a German expat living here in Dubai. She shares her memories of her first day of school and the special German tradtion of Schultüte.

My own Schultüte memory – 1988

I still remember walking into school in 1988, proudly wearing my favorite brown corduroy trousers and Puma shoes — definitely not the blue flowered dress my mother had hoped for. In my hands was a bright yellow Schultüte with a choo-choo train I hadn’t chosen myself. It felt almost bigger than me, and while I wasn’t thrilled with the design, I knew it marked something important: my very first day of school.

In Germany, that day is one of the most memorable milestones of childhood. The Schultüte — a decorated cone filled with sweets, small toys, and school supplies — symbolizes joy and encouragement, turning the leap into Grade 1 into something to celebrate.Back then, Kindergarten and primary school were completely separate, which made the move to Grade 1 a big change: new building, new teachers, new routines. The Schultüte helped soften that transition.

But choice was limited. In my kindergarten there were only a few sample Schultüten, and every child had to take one. I had hoped to make something different, but the teachers didn’t allow it. I ended up with that yellow cone with a train — not what I would have chosen. Still, the parent afternoon where families decorated them together was special, and I remember that sense of pride in carrying it on my first day.

How traditions evolve

Today children have much more freedom. They can choose any theme, order customized cones, or even use fabric Schultüten with a paper insert. After the first day, the paper cone can be replaced with a pillow insert, turning it into a keepsake to treasure for years.

Looking back, I think my own disappointment in 1988 has made me even more determined to ensure children today have a Schultüte that reflects their personality.

As both a mother and an Early Years teacher at Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, I know how powerful traditions like these can be. They don’t just sweeten a milestone; they shape how children and families experience the beginning of school.

Continuing the tradition in Dubai

When my daughter Greta started school here in Dubai, I knew I wanted her to experience the same excitement, only with the freedom to choose her design. Friends soon became curious, and I found myself helping them prepare Schultüten for their children too.

To support our community, I now sew fabric Schultüten myself. These can be reused as keepsake pillows and have become a way for families in Dubai to celebrate an important German tradition, even far from home. Seeing children proudly carry their cones on the first day of school is a joy I’ll never get tired of.

Culture and continuity

When we chose a school for Greta, bilingualism was one of our top priorities. We wanted her to feel proud of her German roots while thriving in an international community. That’s why she attends Swiss International School Dubai — a place that not only offers excellent academics but also values language and culture as part of its identity.

Seeing her classmates discover and celebrate something like the Schultüte has given her pride in her heritage while opening a window for others to learn about German culture.

One big difference I noticed early on is how schools are structured. In Dubai, Early Years and Primary are part of the same school, so the move into Grade 1 feels smooth — familiar building, familiar faces. In Germany, Kindergarten and primary are separate, making the change much bigger. That’s one reason why the Schultüte is so significant: it helps children feel that the leap into “real school” is something exciting.

Of course, there were moments of culture shock too — the early 7:30am start, the younger school age, and the incredible mix of languages and nationalities in one classroom. But these are also strengths. Growing up in such a diverse setting helps children become open-minded, adaptable, and appreciative of different cultures from the very beginning.

When choosing a school, every family will have its own priorities, but for us a few things stood out. We wanted a caring, safe environment where our child would feel seen and supported. We looked for strong academics balanced with play, because joy in learning matters just as much as achievement. Language and culture were also essential, so that Greta could take pride in her heritage. And finally, we valued a sense of community, where teachers and parents work together for the child’s best.

As both a teacher and a parent, I encourage families to visit schools, watch how teachers interact with children, and ask themselves: Can I picture my child being happy here every day? Because at the end of the day, that sense of belonging is what makes all the difference.

A sweet reminder

And maybe that’s the sweetest gift the Schultüte gives us: not just candy and pencils, but a reminder that school is a place of joy, culture, and belonging. Whether in Germany or Dubai, it shows children that learning is worth celebrating — and that their journey into school is something truly special.

Some of the amazing Schultüte Nadine has made for friend's children.