Back to school in Dubai: Make the transition to class a little easier with these lessons

After a year or so of home-school or blended learning, schools are reopening in full force in Dubai. Come October 3, children in the emirate must return to physical classes. This change may come with some anxiety of adjustment to the new normal. Ease the transition with a little help and a little etiquette.

Taylor Elizabeth, a Dubai-based international certified expert in etiquette, image and elegance, says: “Etiquette has been used for years to ease transitions and calm anxiety in new situations. These rules were created to guide people in how to behave in new situations to make the best first impressions to pave the way for stronger and more reliable relationships. It supports the development of strong social skills, which are extremely useful when dealing with situations like being the new kid in class or meeting your new teacher for the first time.” She offers tips on the tools of communication you can equip your child with.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE KEY. “As adults, we know the impact a first impression can make. Mastering a good introduction is an essential life skill. Adding this simple tool to your child’s social skill backpack and having them be comfortable using it can be priceless. It can ease the transition from a new classmate to a new friend or boost their confidence when they are acknowledged and welcomed into a room,” says Elizabeth.

TEACH THEM TO INTRODUCE THEMSELVES. “Try to encourage your child to walk up to new students and introduce themselves as a way to make new friends. Explain to them the importance of acknowledging and greeting their teachers. You can even practice at home! “Hello, My name is Samir! It is nice to meet you,” she explains.

ENCOURAGE EYE-CONTACT: “I would also advise talking to them about making eye contact when speaking to people as it displays trustworthiness and honesty. A child that can master this invaluable tool will surely succeed at making a good first impression now and in years to come,” she adds.

BEING POLITE: “Introduce politeness as a value that can be shown through all our interactions. It can be as simple as using please and thank you, listening to teachers attentively, raising hands and not interrupting, acknowledging fellow students and their ideas or holding the door open for a teacher, parent, or friend,” says Elizabeth.

BEING ORGANISED: Finally, she says, “One of the pillars of etiquette is consideration and being organised is a large part of that consideration. Involve them in the process of preparing their bag the night before, encourage having their supplies or homework ready, reinforce the value of being on time, and keeping their space at school neat.”

HOW TO DO IT. Elizabeth offers a practical way to let the lessons sink in: by talking about it. She says: “Impart that knowledge by discussing how etiquette is a way to show all of these important behaviors and also help manage our nerves and newness. It will help them make friends and feel better in class because they have the right tools.”

MORNING TO-DO LISTS. “Another good way to keep etiquette at the forefront of your children’s minds is by creating practical reminders or ways to bring awareness to these areas. Morning to-do lists are a great way to remind your child to be organised. Asking questions on the way to school about how they will include a new student. Asking them to run through their introduction just in case they meet the new music teacher today. Follow up on these questions on the drive home from school as well. These are all great ways to include etiquette in your discussion without boring children with complicated instructions or making them feel like it’s yet another lesson,” she says.

MODEL BEHAVIOUR AND REINFORCE: “Try to model the behavior and always reinforce good manners when you witness them in your children. We are our children’s first example of everything. If they see us as parents displaying skills of consideration and politeness, then they will be more inclined to adopt these skills. The second part is reinforcement. If your child is consistently organised, tell them how much you appreciate it and how proud you are for their dedication to consideration and organization. If a teacher reports that your child is well mannered, make sure to let them know about the good feedback and how happy you are that they are embracing these etiquette skills,” she concludes.