Reception teachers - what's going on in there?

[SarfEasticated]

Please tell me - the other thread will prove that we aren't told anything - what would you be doing with 30 children in the first few weeks? I have gathered that there are rules that DD understands, and a traffic light system for 'behaviour', they sit on the carpet for the register but not getting much more out of her. Any suggestions? Can I ask the teacher what they are covering so we can try to support it at home? Help me be a good mother please :)

i was also wandering the same.my daughter does not say much.she is in her second week of reception.she said they play computer games and teachers read books for them.
what do they really do?

Why not ask their teacher (the majority don;t bite) Make an appointment and say you want to support DC learning and they'll give you tips and pointers etc. Both the school I work at and DS school sent home termly letters that tell parents what they are covering in each subject so you have an idea of what they are doing

She always seems very busy - not sure what the protocol is - hopefully a letter will come through soon.

Reception is predominantly play based, with only very short focus sessions, so it is quite possible that your DD doesn't think that she is doing anything!
The first couple of weeks at least will be settling everyone into a routine and helping them negotiate 'school life'. For some children this may be their first experience of it.
There will be numerous class toilet trips - to remind everyone that they need to go. There will be drink and fruit, stories, and lots of observations going on to see how socially all the children are able to negotiate school.
Making new friends, playing co-operatively with others, being able to respond to adult instruction, recognising that there is a time to play, a time to tidy up, a time to sit and be quiet - regardless of what you would really want to do, is all learning.
As far as at home - read. Read stories, point out letters together on packets, magazines. Count things out together (wouldn't try baked beans though - maybe chips/potatoes!), peg out washing. Play listening games on the journey home such as I went to the shop and bought..., or Simon says. Play and have fun and chat about life.

Thanks auntevil very helpful! Just what I wanted to know