Expanded classes in Arabic and Islamic studies to strengthen children's cultural roots, say teachers and parents

Al Etihad

5 hours ago

21 Aug 2025 23:22
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI) Teachers and parents have expressed strong support for the Ministry of Education's expansion of Arabic language and Islamic education in early grades, recognising its benefits for children's literacy, communication, and cultural identity.During a media briefing on Tuesday outlining key development plans for the 2025–2026 academic year, the Ministry of Education (MoE) announced that it will be increasing teaching time for both subjects in kindergarten and dedicate daily hours for Cycle-1 students to reinforce Arabic reading and writing. This will be achieved by redistributing class periods without extending school hours.An Arabic baseline assessment will also be introduced in Grade 1 across 100 public and private schools to establish standard levels, enabling tailored support programmes to enhance linguistic skills and steadily raise proficiency. The move has been widely welcomed by educators at the classroom level. Jawaher Al Zaabi, a kindergarten teacher, noted that increasing exposure to Arabic language in early education is necessary to nurture children's cognitive and communication abilities.
'The more a child is exposed to language at this stage, the greater their vocabulary becomes,' she told Aletihad . 'Early childhood is the most formative period, during which a child develops the ability to express themselves clearly, communicate confidently with peers and teachers, and make sense of the world around them.' She added that promoting Arabic language and Islamic education in the UAE will also strengthen its children's connection to their cultural roots and national values. 'Protecting our national identity requires weaving it naturally into the curriculum, whether through Arabic, mathematics, or other subjects. By learning about their traditions and customs from an early age, children grow into generations who honour their culture and carry it forward with pride,' she said. Instilling this sense of belonging early helps children remain anchored in their identity, even as they encounter diverse cultural influences.Suhaila Al Breiki, Arabic language teacher for Cycle-1 grades, said that allocating daily hours for Arabic reading and writing would reflect positively on students' foundational language skills.
'Over time, these hours evolve from simple practice sessions into a natural daily routine, which not only enhances academic competence but also fosters a love for reading and learning,' she told Aletihad . 'This consistent exposure gives children the opportunity to explore themselves within a rich environment of literacy.' She added that incorporating Arabic more fully into students' daily lives deepens their sense of identity and belonging. 'It encourages them to explore their country's history and heritage, instilling pride in their national identity.'This increased exposure might also encourage students from other backgrounds to learn Arabic and engage with local culture more deeply.
What Parents Think Emirati parents hope the change will help their children stay connected to their culture. 'At home, we push our kids to use Arabic, but the minute they're with friends or online, it's all English. If the school makes Arabic a bigger part of their day, it reinforces what we're already trying to do,' said Mariam Al Mazrouei, mother of a Grade 5 student.Latifa Al Qasimi, mother of a Grade 3 student, hopes that giving her child more time to practise his mother tongue will help him express himself better.'I think this is a great move. My son enjoys Arabic class. Having more time for it every day will help him feel more confident speaking and reading in Arabic.'Expat parents also see the change as a way to enhance their children's sense of belonging and prepare them for the future.
'I want my child to feel part of the community here. Learning Arabic at school will help him understand the culture, make friends, and could even open better opportunities for him in the future,' said Priya Menon, an Indian parent of a Grade 3 student.