Doha, Qatar: The Qatar National Library (QNL) will organise workshops as part of ‘Ready for School’ initiative in August offering parents, caregivers, teachers and young children practical guidance to support a smooth and confident transition to kindergarten and school.
The initiative will address different aspects of school readiness, with sessions focusing on children’s social and emotional wellbeing, the role of parents as children’s first teachers, and the development of essential skills for independent learning.
On August 24 an online workshop titled ‘Social and Emotional Preparedness,’ will be held. Designed for parents, caregivers and teachers of children aged 3 to 6, the session will feature Dr Heba Gamal Hariri, Associate Professor of Psychology and specialist in psychological counselling and family therapy.
The workshop will provide practical strategies to strengthen children’s psychological, social and emotional skills, foster independence and ease the transition from home to school.
Participants will also explore ways to establish supportive routines and manage anxiety and behavioural changes that may accompany the start of school. The session will be held online via Microsoft Teams.
On August 25, QNL will present ‘You Are the First Teacher,’ a workshop highlighting the important role parents, caregivers and teachers play in preparing children aged 3 to 6 for their first educational experience.
The session will focus on creating a supportive home environment, establishing balanced routines and using practical activities to develop children’s emotional, language and cognitive abilities.
It will also address strategies for managing school-related anxiety, encouraging independence and strengthening communication between home and school.
The final two sessions, on August 26 and 27, will feature “Small Skills, Big Beginnings,” an interactive workshop for children aged 3 to 5 accompanied by one parent.
Presented by Hiyam Hesham, an early childhood specialist and certified trainer, the programme will combine hands-on activities inspired by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and the Montessori approach.
Children and parents will engage in activities aimed at developing independence and self-reliance, improving attention and the ability to follow instructions, and strengthening fine motor skills needed for early learning.
The workshop will also use play and interaction to support communication and language development while building children’s confidence and emotional readiness.
QNL said the initiative is designed to recognise the importance of the early years in shaping children’s psychological, cognitive and social development. By equipping adults with practical tools and involving children directly in age-appropriate activities, the programme seeks to make the transition to school a positive and well-prepared experience.
The August 26 and 27 sessions will feature the same workshop content, allowing families to choose the more convenient date. Interested participants can register via the QNL website.
