With the new term just around the corner, Abu Dhabi Week speaks to the experts to find out how parents and children can ace the upcoming school year
Anticipation, excitement and yes, even a bit of dread, can safely be counted on as children (and parents) throughout the capital prepare themselves for the 2013-2014 academic year.
Whether it’s negotiating your budget for the cost of school fees, dealing with waiting lists and placement issues, or coaxing your children to return to their active school routine after the long holidays, the start of the new term can certainly take a toll on both caregivers and children alike.
Here at Abu Dhabi Week we rounded up some professional advice to find out just how parents and children can relax and prepare themselves to succeed come September.
Richard Davies, marketing and admissions manager at The British International School, Abu Dhabi said, “We are very excited about the beginning of the new academic year and look forward to welcoming students back and also a number of new families to our community. The first term is always busy as it is a time for settling back into school routines after a long holiday.
“For our youngest students in particular it is good for parents to talk to them about what to expect from school before they arrive – especially as it will be their first time in a school setting and they may be apprehensive about it. Moreover, it is important that parents make the effort to ensure they understand what the school expects from their children academically so that they can support this effort outside the classroom.”
Pre-test makes perfect
For parents of children making the jump to nursery for the first time, the new school year can bring about a mix of emotions. Excitement, nerves and even a few tears can be expected when taking your little ones to their first day of reception.
A pre-school initiation of sorts, a stint in a nursery can help prepare young children for school. Nicolas Jreije, development director at The Creative Nursery, said:“One of the main benefits of a nursery is that you are helping train your child to get used to a school environment. You can take the uncomfortable feeling of going to school out of the equation.
“In a preschool environment children can work on their skills, social interactions, exposure to languages and learn how to deal with adults which makes them more prepared for school and makes the transition to formal school that much more comfortable.”
To help ease first-day jitters, try to help familiarise your child with your chosen school well before the start date. The more comfortable they are at school the better. Introduce your children to their teachers and try to help establish a routine of what school mornings will be like. Parents should plan to be early when dropping off children to school. Starting the day off right can fend off an unnecessary stressful atmosphere and will help you avoid congested traffic.
Communication is key when helping your little ones understand the concept of school. By establishing a familiar (and comforting) routine regarding nursery, both children and parents can focus on what really matters – the classroom.
Smart study guide
For seasoned scholars-in-training, the start of a new academic year should bring about enthusiasm and positive expectations. With a bit of patience and planning parents should be able to turn the tide against the traditional schoolyard blues. How you ask?
Chalk it up to experience
Rona Foubister, Year 4 teacher at the Al Yasmina School has been teaching for nine years. Originally from Scotland, UK she’s had five years of experience teaching in the Middle East and knows a thing or two about getting kids excited for school.
Put a positive spin on all that book learning. Foubister says, “After two months off school, most children are very keen to get back to see all their friends and catch up.
“Make sure your child has everything they need to start their learning and that they are aware of any changes to the school day routine. Remind your child about all the new things they will learn in the coming year and the educational visits they will take part in. Remind them of trying new experiences including extra curricular clubs that your school may offer.”
An optimistic outlook and plenty of communication can help make a world of difference when discussing the new school year with your child. Be sure to address your child’s specific concerns and remind them of the fun times ahead to keep things on a happy note.
Extra Credit
School days are as much about extra curricular activities as they are classroom lessons. To help your child excel outside of the classroom, parents should look at what’s on offer at their child’s school.
Sports, music, drama groups and clubs – you name it – extracurricular activities are unique in the way they can supplement your child’s education and build self-confidence.
“Extra-curricular activities provide an opportunity for children to try out new activities and explore new skills in a more relaxed environment,” adds Sue Brett, director for strategic development at Eton Institute. “They build confidence in being in a variety
of situations with different groups, they take the pressure off everyday school targets to be creative in other areas and they allow children to develop different social groups to provide perspective and distance when needed.
“This is in addition to the extensive amount of research which shows that breadth of activities strengthens the depth of each area, for example, language help with cognitive skills that in turn helps with topics such as history and science, music helps with maths etc.”
Indeed, a little bit of fun outside of class can help make marked improvements inside. Sounds like a winning equation to us.
Teacher’s Top Tips
Here are some helpful tips, courtesy of Year 4 Al Yasmina teacher Rona Foubister, to help prepare your child for the upcoming school year
- School may be out for the summer, but that doesn’t mean your child shouldn’t be hitting the books. To avoid the summer slump encourage your children to do a bit of reading every day. Take them to the book store so that you can let them browse and choose something that will interest them as well as being appropriate to their level
- Have your children go to bed early the week before school officially starts to help then settle back into a routine
- Make sure you provide your kids with a healthy breakfast and healthy snacks so that they are focused and energised when in class
- Make sure you receive a timetable from your child’s new teacher (which includes P.E. and swimming days) so that you and your child are prepared for the first week of school
- Try to start a good routine where reading and homework is done when your child gets home from school. Make sure you discuss your child’s homework with them as in most cases it will reflect what they have been learning in class that week. If in doubt, consult your child’s teacher to gain tips on which methods to use
