Being a Reception teacher is an exciting and rewarding job, full of energy, creativity, and the joy of watching young children grow and learn. But what does a typical day in the life of a Reception teacher really look like? Let’s take a closer look at the rhythm of a day in the classroom, where every moment brings something new!
The day begins early, often before the boys arrive. Teachers arrive at school to prepare their classroom for the day ahead. This involves setting up different learning areas, organising resources, and planning activities that will engage the boys. It is a peaceful time to organise, but once the doors open, the classroom quickly fills with energy.
The early morning routine often starts with some quiet activities like free play or choosing time, where boys can explore and develop their independence. Teachers use this time to engage with the boys, forming connections, helping them with their social skills and introducing them to the day’s activities.
By 9am, it is time for more structured learning. We provide a mix of enquiry-based activities and guided lessons. Each day there are lessons in Phonics, Literacy and Maths as well as activities to reflect the areas ‘Understanding the World’ and ‘Art and Design’. The classroom is full of creative energy, with boys exploring new ideas and concepts through art, role-play, or construction. The teachers guide all learning, asking open-ended questions, providing support when needed, and offering encouragement as the boys gain new skills. It is all about creating a nurturing environment where the boys feel confident to explore, make mistakes, and learn from them. Each day, specialist teaching takes place, enriching the boys’ Arnold House School experience. This includes lessons in PE, Music, World languages and Forest School.
After a busy morning of learning, the boys are ready for lunch. This part of the day isn’t just about eating—it’s a chance for the boys to develop their social skills in a relaxed environment and allows us an opportunity to chat and check-in with individual boys about how their day is going. We help supervise the lunch area, ensuring that boys are eating well and practicing good manners.
The afternoon often starts with reflection time and a quieter activity, such as reading a story or practicing some mindfulness, to help the boys settle back into the classroom. Once the boys are grounded, it is time for more active learning, with a range of creative tasks offered throughout the provision. During this time, the boys move freely, exploring classrooms on the ground floor.
Whether it is experimenting with different textures in a sensory activity, using playdough to develop fine motor skills, working on a group project or using technology, the afternoon focus is on enquiry, collaboration, independence and having fun.
As the school day ends, Reception staff lead the boys in a circle time discussion to reflect on what they have learned. The boys discuss their most enjoyed activities, share something they are proud of, or spend time looking ahead to tomorrow’s adventures. It is a nice way to end the day on a positive note. Many of the boys attend a school-based after school club where they learn new skills such as yoga, chess or computing.
Before the teachers head home, they ensure they have everything ready for the next day – preparing lesson materials, tidying up the classroom, completing planning, writing reports and emailing parents. Life in Reception is busy and at times, exhausting, but always filled with moments of joy and achievement.
A Reception teacher’s day is full of challenges, but also filled with many rewards. It is not just about teaching academic skills but also, about helping children develop socially, emotionally, and creatively. Each day is an opportunity to help shape the future of young learners, building their confidence, curiosity, and love for learning.
As a Reception teacher, no two days are ever the same, but each one brings a sense of accomplishment as children take their first steps on their educational journey. It is a privilege to be part of such a formative time in a child’s life – and that’s what makes being a Reception teacher so special.
Emma Rafferty
Reception Teacher