In an increasingly digital world, artificial intelligence (AI) literacy is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. According to the UAE’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, integrating AI into education is a strategic priority. As a result, Dubai educators are now looking at primary school as the critical starting point for AI education. This is supported by a recent scoping review that found early engagement with AI tools significantly improves students’ digital competencies and computational thinking (Yim & Su, 2024).
At Discover Learning, we help parents and schools implement this vision by offering specialized AI literacy programs for children aged 6–12, combining hands-on activities with curriculum-aligned pedagogy.
Why AI Should Begin in Primary School
Primary-age students are developmentally ready to grasp basic AI concepts like pattern recognition, logic, and supervised learning when taught using visual, interactive methods. Introducing AI literacy at this stage has been shown to:
● Build foundational coding and reasoning skills
● Develop algorithmic thinking through games and simulations
● Improve curiosity and engagement with STEM
● Create a responsible mindset about data, bias, and automation
Since Math, English, and Science are the most sought-after subjects for tutoring in Dubai (Yim & Su, 2024), early AI instruction complements these core subjects and enhances future readiness.
Age-Appropriate Tools Backed by Research
The following tools are highlighted in the literature as highly effective for young learners:
● Scratch: A block-based platform that teaches logic and programming without text-based syntax.
● Teachable Machine (Google): Allows students to create real-time image/audio classification models using drag-and-drop.
● PopBots: Designed for children aged 4–7, combining storytelling and robotics to explore basic AI concepts.
● LearningML: A visual interface for building machine learning models that introduces classification and supervised learning.
These tools are used in our Discover Learning AI sessions, guided by KHDA-approved educators who tailor each session to the child’s curriculum and ability level.
Teaching Approaches That Work
According to Yim & Su (2024), the most successful pedagogical strategies for AI literacy in primary school include:
● Project-based learning: Students build real-world AI solutions
● Play-based learning: Integrating AI concepts into interactive games
● Human-computer interaction: Students explore AI behavior through guided experimentation
At Discover Learning, our instructors incorporate these methods in both in-person and online sessions, ensuring students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
Why Parents in Dubai Trust Discover Learning
● Curriculum-aligned instruction for British, IB, and American systems
● KHDA-approved tutors who also work in local schools
● Parents can choose from a list of tutors based on price, subject, and expertise
● AI integration available as part of our Math, Science, and Technology programs
Conclusion
The future belongs to students who understand technology, not just how to use it, but how it works. Start your child’s AI journey today with Discover Learning, Dubai’s trusted provider of academic and future-skills tutoring.
Book your trial session now and give your child a competitive edge in a world shaped by AI.
References
Yim, I. H. Y. & Su, J. (2024). Artificial intelligence (AI) learning tools in K–12 education: A scoping review. Journal of Computers in Education, 12(1), 93–131. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40692-023-00304-9