Lessons learnt from a week in a reception class

(For those not in the know, reception children are four years old, in their first year of school.)

• Getting changed is a major operation. Getting undressed takes at least ten minutes and don’t even talk about the socks!

• Small children are incredibly tactile. They are what we may call “Leg strokers.” I have had innumerable hugs, kisses and squeezes.

• A reception class in February is dominated by red cheeks and snotty noses.

• Small children cannot sit/stand/walk sensibly. Everything is done with a bounce and a leap.

• Lunch time is an occasion in itself. I never realised that a child could contemplate a plate of rice and curry and choose to eat it with his fingers.

• Laces should not be issued under any circumstances to a boy who is four years old.

• Reception teachers must have backs of steel because the amount of leaning over is incredible.

• However many times you repeat a letter, there will always be one who does not get it.

• Play-dough is an amazing tool for making words.

• If in doubt, sing.

• A child may come to school with a hat glove and scarf but will leave with two hats, one glove stuffed up a sleeve and no scarf to be seen.

• Never except a hug from a child with a cold and runny nose unless you want the evidence of said cold to be on your jumper.

• One look can quell a child of four. Power!

• “Mrs Beeeaccch” According to reception I am married…news to me.

The biggest lesson I have learnt though is that however bad the day can seem, twenty or so bright, shining and happy faces really do make it all worth it.

Thanks for stopping by x