31. In Britain, children start school in their fifth year. The first class is known as reception and, for some children, it is a daunting (令人畏惧的) experience. Five-year olds love to move around, run and jump all day. However, when they are in a group of 20 or more, they have to learn to follow instructions (指令) from the teacher. Sitting down, listening and taking turns are new things to them.
Once a child is in the reception class, the first year is usually a very happy one. Lots of new skills are introduced. Group activities, socializing (社交) with the other children and learning to take turns, these are all part of the first-year experience.
As they paint, draw, bake and enjoy sand and water play, they talk with other children and language skills develop. When they have music and movement lessons or activities in a gym, they learn to control their body movements as they stop, roll﹣over, and slowly take steps. Children learn to work with others. In music class, they have to listen for a rhythm, try to copy it and join in singing simple songs.
Sitting down and listening to stories and answering questions about the story are also very important skills in a child's first year at school.
Breaks and play times during the school day are good for children. Running, catching, hiding, using balls and skipping ropes, falling over and getting back up, all help release pent-up energy (释放多余能量). On some playgrounds, there are lines and numbers on the ground. Children can jump along the lines and into spaces.
If a child doesn't go home for a meal at lunch time, the school provides hot and cold food in the dining hall. A child can also bring a lunch from home.
In primary schools, the mornings include number work, reading skills and recording. The afternoons are more creative (创造性的). Young children love dressing up in costumes and acting out adult situations. They have "pretend" tea parties, make little cakes from plasticine (橡皮泥) and pour cups of tea for others.
At the end of a busy day, young children go home with a parent and they are happy to talk about their day at school.