As schools in the UAE gear up for the start of a new academic year, teachers and leadership staff are busy preparing for the return of students after the summer break. Taher Gharib, Director at Salam Education, highlighted the importance of conducting professional training, team-building activities, and reviewing data to ensure that teachers are fully equipped to support every child. Additionally, managing paperwork related to admissions and registrations is essential to ensure a smooth start to the new academic year.
With the majority of students expected to return to school on August 26, setting a schedule and routine is crucial for a successful transition back to the classroom. Afshan Yakoob, the director of Blossom Nursery at Maryam Island in Sharjah, emphasized the importance of creating a calming environment in the classroom and preparing engaging activities for students. She also highlighted the challenge of addressing separation anxiety among new students and advised parents to ease children back into a routine before the start of the school year.
For Princiya Abdul Karim, head of inclusion at Grammar School Dubai, preparing for the return of special needs students requires careful planning and coordination. She stressed the importance of conducting transition meetings for teachers and implementing new skill development programs to meet the unique needs of these students. Similarly, Niju Sonu, supervisor and coordinator at Future Rehabilitation Centre in Abu Dhabi, highlighted the challenges faced by special needs students in transitioning back to school after the summer break. She emphasized the importance of creating visual schedules and providing sensory activities to help these students adjust to the school environment.
As educators and leadership staff prepare for the start of the new academic year, their focus remains on ensuring a smooth transition for students and addressing their individual needs. By conducting training sessions, reviewing data, and implementing tailored approaches, schools in the UAE are committed to providing a supportive learning environment for all students. With a collaborative effort between teachers, parents, and school staff, the new academic year is set to be a successful and rewarding experience for students across the country.
