Starting kindergarten in Dubai is an important step in your child’s development. It is a transition that marks the beginning of a new educational adventure , where he will develop his autonomy, social skills and his love of learning .
As a parent, you want them to feel ready, confident, and excited about entering this new environment. Fortunately, with the right preparation , this transition can be smooth and enjoyable .
Here are 7 essential tips to help your child get off to a good start in kindergarten and make the experience a positive one.
7 Key Tips to Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten in Dubai
1. Establish a Pre-School Routine
Is your child used to a regular rhythm ?
- Why is it essential?
- Promotes better adaptation to the school rhythm .
- Improves sleep, concentration and emotional state .
- Helps to establish reassuring benchmarks .
- How to do it?
- Establish fixed times for getting up, meals and bedtime at least 2 weeks before the start of term .
- Simulate a typical nursery morning : getting up, getting dressed, breakfast, activities, break and nap.
- Limit screens before bed to improve sleep.
Tip: A child who has a good daily routine adapts more easily to the school environment .
2. Visit the School Before the Start of the School Year
Does your child already know their future school environment ?
- Why is it beneficial?
- Reassures the child by allowing him to visualize his school .
- Reduces first-day anxiety .
- Creates a sense of belonging and excitement .
- How to do it?
- Plan a school tour to explore the classrooms, playground, and common areas.
- If possible, meet with teachers and educational staff .
- Show where parents will drop off and pick up their child .
Why does it work? A child who feels comfortable in their new environment is more confident and motivated to go back to school.
3. Speak Positively About School
Have you ever discussed school with your child?
- Why is this important?
- Create a positive attitude towards this new stage.
- Helps reduce anxiety and cultivate excitement .
- Promotes a better understanding of what lies ahead .
- How to talk about it?
- Explain the activities:
- “You’ll play, learn new things and make lots of friends!”
- Reassure the child:
- “The teacher will be there to help you if you need it.”
- “I’ll pick you up after school, like always.”
- Explain the activities:
Tip: Reading books about back-to-school can be a great way to introduce the topic in a fun way.
4. Encourage Social Interactions
Is your child comfortable with other children ?
- Why is it essential?
- Helps develop social skills before going back to school.
- Improves ability to share, wait for turns and interact .
- Builds confidence in playing and talking with other children .
- How can I help him?
- Organize playdates with children of the same age .
- Encourage interactions in parks or play spaces .
- Enroll the child in group creative or sports workshops .
Why does it work? A child who is used to interacting with other children adapts more easily to community life.
5. Learn to Be Autonomous
Does your child know how to do certain tasks alone ?
- Why is this important?
- Develops self-confidence and a sense of competence.
- Facilitates adaptation to school routines .
- Helps teachers better support each child.
- Skills to encourage:
- Get dressed and put on your shoes alone.
- Go to the toilet and wash your hands independently.
- Use a lunch box and water bottle without assistance.
Tip: Start with simple tasks and praise your child for every little progress.
6. Prepare the School Bag Together
Is your child involved in back-to-school preparations ?
- Why is it useful?
- Gives him a sense of belonging and responsibility .
- Builds excitement and engagement for their first day back.
- What to do?
- Let your child choose their school bag, water bottle and lunch box .
- Show him how to put his things away .
- Explain why each object is important to the school day.
Why does it work? A child who is involved in preparations feels more confident and enthusiastic about school.
7. Stay Positive and Reassuring
Can your child sense your stress or excitement ?
- Why is it essential?
- Children absorb emotions from parents .
- A calm and confident parent conveys serenity and enthusiasm .
- How to stay positive?
- Express your enthusiasm:
- “You’ll see, school is great!”
- Validate your child’s emotions:
- “It’s okay to be a little nervous, but you’re going to have fun!”
- Express your enthusiasm:
Staying positive helps ensure a smooth and reassuring transition .
Give Your Child a Successful Start in Kindergarten in Dubai
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Contact us today to discover our bilingual program in French and English .
Register your child and prepare them for a confident and peaceful return to school!