(The forthcoming book: From the Principal’s Desk – A Journey of Lessons)
Dr. Arun Prakash
It was during our years in Dubai, a city where modern skyscrapers meet timeless deserts, that we decided to venture on an extraordinary family trip. Our destination? Kish Island, a gem of the Persian Gulf nestled off the coast of Iran. With a modest population of just 40,000, Kish is an island of wonders—where turquoise waters meet pristine beaches, and bustling markets overflow with treasures from around the world. It’s a place where the annual tourist influx of 12 million far outnumbers its residents, creating a vibrant energy that’s impossible to ignore.
For our little family, Kish was a dream come true. My daughter, Kuhu, was just two years old then, but her enthusiasm outmatched even the most seasoned travellers. We visited zoos, museums, shopping malls, and countless eateries, each stop a source of unending delight for her. But it was the beaches that held her heart. Whether it was Kish, Dubai, or Jeddah, the soft sand and rolling waves became her playground. Armed with a small bucket and spade, she’d dive into building sandcastles, her tiny hands sculpting towers and moats with fierce determination. Sometimes the sea would steal her masterpieces, but she’d only laugh and start again. For Kuhu, sand wasn’t just sand—it was magic.
The beaches of Dubai and Jeddah were her endless canvas. Back in Dubai, where we lived just a stone’s throw from the coastline, every day felt like a new adventure. The sound of waves became her lullaby, and the golden dunes that stretched endlessly beyond the city were her endless sandbox. It was a world of freedom and imagination, and Kuhu thrived in it.
One morning, during our visit to Kish, we arrived early at the zoo, too early in fact—it wasn’t open yet. We stood there, taking in the serene morning air, when Kuhu suddenly announced with the seriousness of an executive, “I’m going to school.” She had her little backpack strapped on, her notebook and pencil ready inside. Without waiting for any acknowledgment, she marched a few meters away, found a spot, and sat down as though she were in a classroom. Scribbling something in her notebook, she then proceeded to “study,” play, and even pretend to eat her imaginary tiffin.
When she returned, her face beamed with satisfaction. “I studied, played, and had so much fun,” she declared, as if she’d spent hours in a magical school that existed solely in her mind. This wasn’t a one-time occurrence—it became her favourite pastime. Back at home, she would pack her bag, find a quiet corner, and “attend school,” narrating her day’s events in vivid detail. “Today we sang songs, teacher told us a story, and I played on the swings!” she’d exclaim, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
I often wondered what fuelled her imagination. Perhaps it was the environment she grew up in. As a principal, I had always believed that schools should be places of joy, curiosity, and laughter. Kuhu had seen me interact with students, and she’d often accompany me on visits to schools. She’d watch children running, laughing, and learning, and for her, this was what school meant—a happy place where magic happened every day.
However, Kuhu’s first formal schooling came later than usual. At the time, I was busy establishing a new school in Dubai, and we decided to homeschool her until she turned four. Little did we know that life had other plans. Before she could join the school I was establishing, we relocated to Bhubaneswar, where I was starting another new school. This meant yet another year of waiting.
We eventually found a small preschool run by a kind and dedicated couple in a bungalow. The warmth and charm of the place won us over instantly. When we went for her admission, however, the school insisted she start in nursery, as she hadn’t attended any formal schooling before. “You might know everything about running schools, sir,” they said with a smile, “but kindergarten is a whole different story!” How could I argue with that?
Kuhu’s first day at the preschool was nothing short of a revelation. Like most parents, I braced myself for tears and tantrums. But Kuhu surprised us all. With her backpack neatly in place and her uniform perfectly adjusted, she marched confidently into the school, waved us goodbye with a cheerful “Bye, Papa! Bye, Ma!” and disappeared inside. Hours later, when it was time to pick her up, she wasn’t ready to leave. “Just five more minutes!” she pleaded, already enchanted by her new world of friends, stories, and play.
Every morning, she’d jump out of bed, eager to head to school. The excitement didn’t fade—it only grew. When our new school opened the following year, Kuhu transitioned seamlessly into UKG, but that first preschool had given her a foundation of joy and confidence that would last a lifetime.
Not all children have such a smooth beginning. It’s heartbreaking to see little ones clinging to their parents at school gates, tears streaming down their faces as if they were being sent into a world of terror. Why does this happen? What can we, as parents and educators, do to ensure that a child’s first encounter with school is a positive one?
Children need to feel safe and loved, but they also need to feel excited about the possibilities ahead. Preparing them for school is about more than uniforms and books—it’s about painting a picture of school as a place where adventures await, where they’ll make friends, discover new things, and grow into their best selves. If we can do that, their journey of learning will begin not with fear, but with joy.
So, let’s reflect on how we can make this transition a beautiful story for every child. After all, a joyful beginning is the cornerstone of a lifelong love for learning.
Every child’s journey to school is unique, shaped by their environment, the care they receive, and the love that surrounds them. When I think of my daughter Kuhu, I marvel at how seamlessly she transitioned into school life. Not only did she never cry at school, but she was also a child who never cried at home. Why? Because we made a conscious effort to give her a natural, nurturing space to grow, where her needs were met even before she realized them herself.
Kuhu’s story reflects a philosophy that we, as parents, embraced wholeheartedly providing an environment of love, predictability, and thoughtful care. Let me share her journey alongside the stories of other children, each illustrating how small, consistent actions can prepare children for school with confidence and joy.
Kuhu: A Child Who Found Comfort in Care
From the beginning, we ensured that Kuhu’s world was one of calmness and stability. Whether it was her meals, playtime, or sleep, everything was provided on time and with care. When she was hungry, her food was ready. When she wanted to play, there was time for laughter. Even when we went out, we made sure her routine was never disrupted. If she asked for something, we either gave it to her or explained why she couldn’t have it. This clarity and consistency made her feel secure, eliminating the need for tantrums or tears.
When Kuhu began pretending to go to school with her tiny backpack, we supported her imaginative play. She’d pack her “tiffin,” write in her notebook and come back to us narrating the adventures of her imaginary school day. We never rushed her or dismissed her stories. Instead, we encouraged her creativity and celebrated her curiosity. These small acts, rooted in Deborah J. Stewart’s advice in “Ready for Kindergarten!”, helped her view school as a positive and exciting place even before she stepped through its gates.
Ria: Thriving Through Predictability
Ria was a lively, curious child whose parents, Neha and Varun, believed in the power of routine. Inspired by books like “Off to Kindergarten” by Tony Johnston, they created a daily schedule that mimicked school life. Breakfast was served at the same time each morning, followed by a mix of play, storytelling, and quiet time. This structure gave Ria a sense of stability and taught her to anticipate what came next.
Her parents also prioritized emotional readiness. If Ria felt upset, they would acknowledge her feelings and talk her through them. When she once refused to share her toys, Neha gently explained why sharing was important, turning the moment into a lesson in empathy.
When Ria’s first day of school arrived, she walked in with confidence. The structure she’d grown accustomed to at home mirrored her classroom environment, helping her adjust effortlessly.
Arjun: Fostering Independence Through Small Steps
Arjun was a reserved child who often depended on his parents for everything—from tying his shoes to packing his toys. While his parents, Meera and Rajesh, adored his reliance on them, they realized that building his independence was crucial for his school readiness. Guided by the principles in Deborah J. Stewart’s “Ready for Kindergarten!”, they began giving him small responsibilities.
“Arjun, can you pick out your clothes for today?” Meera would ask. At first, he hesitated, unsure if he’d choose the “right” shirt. But over time, he gained confidence in his decisions. Rajesh encouraged him to pack his own school bag, turning it into a game of “What do we need today?”
When Arjun started school, these small acts of independence paid off. He confidently managed his belongings and felt proud of his ability to take care of himself, a feeling that made him excited to explore this new phase of life.
Anya: The Role of Positive Language
Anya’s parents, Priya and Ramesh, had one golden rule: never speak negatively about school. Whenever Anya overheard her friends say things like, “School is boring!” Priya would gently redirect the conversation, saying, “But school is where you’ll learn to read stories, make new friends, and have fun!”
At bedtime, Priya would read books like Lauren Child’s “I Am Too Absolutely Small for School”, helping Anya see school as a place of adventure and excitement. When Anya had questions, her parents answered honestly but with optimism. “Will I miss you?” she once asked. “Yes,” Priya replied, “but we’ll talk about all the fun you had when you get home.”
This positive reinforcement shaped Anya’s perspective, and when her first day of school came, she eagerly walked into her classroom, already imagining the wonderful things she would discover.
What Parents Can Do: Lessons from Kuhu and Friends
Each child’s journey to school readiness is unique, but certain principles can make the process smoother and more joyful. Here are the key takeaways from these stories:
1. Consistency Builds Security
Like Kuhu and Ria, children thrive in environments where their needs are met predictably. A consistent routine around meals, play, and sleep helps them feel safe and confident.
2. Encourage Independence in Small Ways
Let children like Arjun take small steps toward independence. Whether it’s packing their bag, dressing themselves, or helping set the table, these actions build self-confidence.
3. Celebrate Curiosity and Play
Imaginative play, like Kuhu’s pretend school, helps children visualize and embrace the concept of learning. Encourage activities that spark curiosity and joy.
4. Use Positive Language
Words shape perceptions. Speak positively about school, teachers, and learning, as Priya and Ramesh did for Anya. This helps children approach school with excitement rather than fear.
5. Foster Emotional Resilience
Address children’s feelings openly, as Ria’s parents did. Teach them how to navigate disappointment, share with others, and express their emotions constructively.
6. Prepare for the First Day
Visit the school beforehand, meet the teacher, and practice the route. Simple gestures like packing a small comfort item can make a big difference in easing first-day jitters.
Creating a Joyful Start
Preparing children for school isn’t about rigid rules or exhaustive drills; it’s about creating an environment where they feel loved, secure, and excited to explore. Kuhu’s story, along with those of Ria, Arjun, and Anya, illustrates that the journey to school begins long before the first bell rings. By nurturing curiosity, fostering independence, and celebrating the joy of learning, we can ensure that our children step into school with smiles on their faces and confidence in their hearts.
Remember, the foundation we lay today shapes their relationship with learning for a lifetime. And what better gift can we give them than a love for discovery that will carry them through every classroom, every challenge, and every adventure yet to come?
Next: Lavanya and Lavi: A Mother’s Quest for the Right Preschool
