Inside a UAE classroom on the first morning back: How UAE teachers handle school nerves
Somewhere in the UAE this morning, a child woke at 5am because they were too excited to sleep. Another walked into a classroom and cried. A third put a hand up when a teacher asked who was feeling anxious. The first day back is a small emotional event for thousands of families across the Emirates, and it lands differently on every child. Gulf News spent the morning at North Gate British School in…
On the first morning back at school, children in the UAE experienced a mix of emotions as they returned to their classrooms. Some were excited and eager to start the day, while others struggled with anxiety and separation from their families. A diverse group of Year 1 teacher Juhi Varma encountered students from various nationalities, some settled and engaged, while others cried upon entering the classroom.
Varma approached each child with patience and support, aiming to help them feel comfortable and engaged in the activities.
Another teacher, Year 6 form teacher Cynthia Nakayenga, initiated a mental check-in by asking students to raise their hands if they felt anxious. This open approach allowed students to express their emotions and normalized discussing feelings rather than suppressing them until after school. The school's schedule incorporated morning form periods for these wellbeing checks, ensuring students could express any concerns before diving into academic work.
For younger students, the transition to formal schooling presented its own challenges. Four-year-old Zad Hassan, starting FS2, had never experienced this level of structure before. His father, Hassan Mohyeldin, had been anticipating the day for weeks and was delighted to see his son settling in quickly. Teachers and staff at North Gate British School in Ajman employed various strategies to ease the transition, from creating a welcoming environment to fostering a sense of community among students.
In addition to supporting younger students, the school also addressed the emotional needs of older children. Year 9 student Yunus Majid shared his experiences, emphasizing the importance of having friends and maintaining a positive mindset as key factors in staying motivated and adapting to the new school environment. With a focus on emotional well-being and personalized attention, the school aimed to make the first day back an enriching and positive experience for all students.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
