The first day of school

In just two weeks, thousands of children across the UAE will be getting ready for their very first day of school.

I don’t remember my own first day, but I’ve been told that one of my friends came running to the gate to greet me. Our classroom had a cloak bay for backpacks, coats, and rain boots, and a ramp built so a classmate who used a wheelchair could get in. My favourite things were the handmade wooden trucks, cranes, and diggers—crafted by a classmate’s grandfather. Every afternoon we practised handwriting, earning a sticker or stamp if we did well.

At four years old, before “big school,” I went to the local kindergarten for a half-day. We had lots of free play; inside with the blocks, dolls and playdough and outside on tractor-tyre swings, the junglegym and a tower with a huge slide. I loved painting and probably did several pictures every day. They’d be hung up on drying racks above our backpacks to take with us at home time. Each day we'd break for a snack of sliced apples and oranges. We’d gather on the carpet singing Hot Cross Buns, The Farmer in the Dell, and Incy Wincy Spider. If it was someones 5^th birthday we’d all sit in a circle and they’d pass around a party-mix bag of sweets for us each to take one. The birthday boy or girl would get to make a ‘cake’ of playdough and decorate it with glitter and candles. We’d light the candles and sing Happy Birthday. The next day they’d go off to big school, and a new 4 year old would join us at kindy.

I don’t remember the first day of school being such a big deal. My kindergarten friends, big brother, and neighbours were already there. I'd practiced playing school with them on playdates, so knew I was ready for the real thing.

Working in schools, I’ve seen that the first day is often tougher for parents than children. Some parents spend months worrying, only to watch their child stride confidently into the classroom without a backward glance. Others see a few tears at drop-off—but two minutes later, their child is fully engrosed in building the tallest block tower, making a playdough unicorn, or painting a teddy bear. By pick-up time, they’re introducing their new best friend and singing nursery rhymes all the way home.

So, if you’re a parent preparing for the big day, here’s my advice:

• Be brave. Your confidence will help your child feel secure.

• Check in with the teacher. Ask how they’d like drop-off to go.

• Connect with other parents. Some will have older children and valuable tips; others may be brand-new to the area and looking for friends.

• Expect a gentle start. Some schools stagger the first few days with smaller groups and shorter hours.

• Don’t get overwhelmed. You’ll receive a lot of information—take it one day at a time.
  

Your child’s first day is the start of a big, exciting journey—for them and for you. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they settle in, and how much they'll learn from day one.