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Home News UAE Schools Tackle First-Day Jitters with Unique Approaches

UAE Schools Tackle First-Day Jitters with Unique Approaches

Aug 31, 2026
81 min
11
Aug 31, 2026 12:31
Inside a UAE classroom on the first morning back: How UAE teachers handle school nerves

## Early Start for Excited Students

In the UAE, the first day of school is a significant event for many families. At North Gate British School in Ajman, the focus is on easing students into the new academic year. Some children, like Tuhinbala Anbanathan, are so eager that they wake up as early as 5am. His father, Balaji, took the morning off to accompany him to school.

## Teachers' Strategies for a Smooth Transition

Teachers like Juhi Varma, who is meeting her Year 1 class for the first time, focus on creating a welcoming environment. She takes time to engage with each child, especially those experiencing separation anxiety. Her approach is to gently guide them towards activities that help ease their nerves.

## Addressing Anxiety Openly

Year 6 teacher Cynthia Nakayenga starts the day with a mental health check-in, encouraging students to express any anxiety they might feel. This practice is part of the school's structured approach to ensure students feel supported from the start.

## Special Roles for Student Wellbeing

The school has a unique role dedicated to understanding student behavior. Mahmood Fida, a restorative behavior teacher, works with students to identify underlying issues rather than resorting to punishment. His role emphasizes understanding and addressing the root causes of behavioral changes.

## Advice from Experienced Students

Older students, like Year 9's Yunus Majid, offer advice to newcomers. He stresses the importance of forming friendships and viewing school as a personal space rather than just a place parents send them. His classmate, Hayyam Abid, suggests maintaining some academic activities during breaks to ease the transition back to school.

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