Registration can be at best a repetitive procedure, so here are some variations I have developed to liven it up a little. I sing the register with my Reception class to the tune of “Skip to My Lou”.

Teacher: “Good afternoon (child’s name), how are you?” Child “Good afternoon (teacher’s name), I’m well thank you.”

We also whisper the register, or I call the child’s name “cuckoo” style and they reply in the same manner: Teacher: ”‘Si - mon”. Child: “Hel - lo”.

Alternatives are for the child to make an animal noise or tell you a favourite pop star, football team, or TV programme when you call their name. This approach works with key stage 2 children. Juniors also love it if you do the register “Victorian” style, calling out their surname only.

If you tire of these methods children can self-register, placing a Velcro-backed photograph of themselves on the Here Today board.

Kathryn Fletcher, reception teacher, Mayfield Primary School, Cambridge