Year Five to Reception; help!

[Knackerelli]

After most of my teaching career of 13 years bring in ks2, from September I'll be in reception. Not hating the idea but would appreciate any tips and ideas so I don't feel a total numpty!

[insancerre]

Get yourself a copy of reception year in action by Anna ephgrave
Also join keep early years unique group on Facebook - there are lots of really helpful people in there

Whatever you do, keep away from twinkl and the laminator
😁

[insancerre]

Sorry, forgot the link
<a class="break-all" href="//www.amazon.co.uk/Reception-Year-Action-month-month/dp/0415618509?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21" rel="nofollow noindex" target="_blank">//www.amazon.co.uk/Reception-Year-Action-month-month/dp/0415618509?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[Knackerelli]

That's brilliant, thanks. Yes, twinkl and Pinterest have been mentioned by others 😃

[amysmummy12345]

The EYFS framework document is your bible.

[Igottastartthinkingbee]

Well as a reception mum coming to the end I can tell you what my sons topics have been this year. Dinosaurs, arctic (teacher built a life size igloo out of milk bottles), growing and changing (chicks hatched in class, beanstalks grown from seed, couple of school mum's took their babies in), fairy tales (trip to panto), lots on shops/money at the mo. Garden party next week where they'll sell what they've been making. Also they've done dancing, singing, cycling, yoga, Zumba. Obviously there's a lot more they've done! Just a few ideas for you. Good luck! I'm going to miss reception!!

[Mistoffelees]

I would second the Reception Year in Action book and KEYU Facebook page but be prepared to fall in love with the ideas and not be allowed/supported to follow them through depending on your colleagues and SMT.

[Lara2]

You may have to re think your wardrobe - you'll be spending a lot of time doing messy stuff, being on the floor, sitting on tiny chairs, being outside whatever the weather and possibly having upset children climbing onto your lap. Look after your back - mine is shot after a lot of years in Year R.
You will love it - although your friends and family will decide you've lost the plot as everything will be useful in some weird way for Reception, much more so than any other year group. It is a bizarre, strange and utterly brilliant age to teach! 😃

[Knackerelli]

Thanks everyone for your replies, some great ideas. I like being outside, things like forest school appeals, but yes I need a different wardrobe!

[lorisparkle]

As a parent my top tip is to remember that some of them are only just 4 years old. Some of them for only a week or so. From experience when teachers move down the year groups they over estimate the children's independence and skills. Make sure you have an opportunity to visit the feeder play groups, pre schools nurseries etc to see what three year olds can do. Also think about the emotional turmoil some of the parents might be going through. Starting school is a huge step. The settling period is vital as is building relationships with parents. Saying that as a teacher I love reception year - my favourite! It is a completely different curriculum but much more practical.