Discipline holds key, say educators and parents as schools reopen

As the new academic year begins, students and parents experience a mix of excitement and anxiety. Early preparation—psychological, physical, and organizational—is key to a seamless transition from vacation to school. Educators and experts emphasize that discipline and commitment are essential, highlighting the importance of adhering to school rules, punctuality, and maintaining a positive attitude from day one.

They point out that psychological readiness is crucial: students should approach school with enthusiasm, while parents can reduce anxiety by discussing the positive aspects of school, such as meeting friends and learning new things. Experts also stress the importance of time management. Organizing schedules, preparing school supplies, and reviewing previous lessons are considered essential for a strong start.

Goal setting is another important factor for a successful academic year. Parents are encouraged to help students set both academic and personal goals, fostering motivation and responsibility. At the same time, maintaining a balance between academics and extracurricular activities is necessary for developing well-rounded individuals.

Psychologist Fatima Al-Srairah highlights the importance of early preparation to ease the transition. She recommends gradually adjusting sleep schedules and engaging in positive conversations about school. Socially, she suggests encouraging students to connect with peers before school begins to foster a sense of belonging.

Fouad Al-Marsoumi, a private school principal, emphasizes that success depends on cooperation between students, administrators, and teaching staff. While schools provide all necessary support, students must be mentally and physically prepared, with organized tools and a commitment to learning. He recommends that parents establish routines for early sleep, active mornings, and preparation of supplies and other materials needed for effective learning.

Teacher Hadeel Sami outlines six strategies for optimal back-to-school preparation:

Time Management – Students should balance study, rest, and activities. Healthy Sleep Habits – Early bedtime and active mornings help students stay energetic.

Prepared Supplies – Having notebooks, pens, and colors ready ensures classroom engagement.

Positive Attitude – Viewing school as a place for growth and future-building is vital. Reviewing Basics – Revising previous lessons gives students a strong start.

Goal Setting – Parents should encourage achievable goals such as excelling in math, improving handwriting, or fostering respect for teachers and peers.

Teacher Nadia Waleed stresses motivation, time management, and discipline, along with psychological readiness, optimism, and health through adequate sleep and balanced nutrition. Teacher Bolit Yamin reminds that education, as envisioned by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is a pathway to national progress—making the school year not just an academic start but a journey to build a future-ready generation.

Teacher Aisha Al-Sayid shares: “When a new school year begins, I renew my determination and enthusiasm with love and passion to welcome my dear students. My heart is filled with hope that this year will be rich in knowledge and a field where we sow values and reap excellence. Our school is our second home, where we shape a future worthy of the spirit of unity and the UAE’s ambition for leadership.”

She adds that parents play a vital role by preparing children psychologically and practically—engaging them in organizing supplies, ensuring early sleep routines, reviewing basic lessons, preparing balanced meals, reducing screen time, encouraging physical activity, and listening to their feelings about returning to school.

Parent Aliya Al-Marzouqi says: “At the start of each academic year, I help my children adjust by encouraging early bedtime and wake-up habits. I prepare their school supplies and involve them in organizing these items to foster responsibility. I also dedicate time to review reading and writing to regain focus, while speaking positively about school and its opportunities.”

Parent Maryam Mohammed adds: “Before school starts, I prioritize my daughter’s emotional well-being. I listen to her feelings, explain that education is a step toward achieving her dreams, and ensure her routine includes balanced nutrition and physical activity. The night before school, we prepare clothes together and plan a healthy breakfast, giving her joy and responsibility as she begins the year.”

With the new academic year, several government schools have launched digital surveys to evaluate the first virtual Parent-Teacher meetings held via Microsoft Teams. The initiative aims to enhance communication with parents and strengthen the educational partnership between school staff and families. The surveys collect feedback from parents and students on the virtual meetings, which covered welcoming messages, new academic plans, class schedules, extracurricular activities, health and safety policies, attendance, punctuality, and the use of digital platforms for homework and academic progress.