Class: Junior Secondary School 2 (JSS2, JSS 2)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 10
Age: 13 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Business Studies
Curriculum Theme: Business Studies
Previous Lesson: Purchase Documents: Letters, Indents, Purchases Daybook and Credit Note
Topic: The Receptionist
Subject Matter: Meaning and qualities, Duties of a receptionist, How to receive and treat visitors, Appropriate dress code

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:
(a) State the meaning of a receptionist.
(b) Identify the duties of a receptionist in an office.
(c) Mention qualities of a good receptionist.
Affective Domain:
(a) Appreciate the role of a receptionist in promoting the image of an organization.
(b) Develop interest in courteous and respectful treatment of visitors.
Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Role-play how a receptionist receives and treats visitors.
(b) Demonstrate proper dress code suitable for a receptionist.
Social Domain:
(a) Work in groups to discuss qualities of a receptionist.
(b) Show teamwork by practicing role-play activities.

Reference Materials

The following resources was used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
Lagos State Unified Scheme of work for Junior Secondary Schools
Indeed – “Receptionist Skills: Definition and Examples” (https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/receptionist-skills)
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Pictures or charts showing a receptionist at work
Office desk, telephone, and visitor’s chair (if available)
Sample visitor’s book
Flashcards showing qualities of a receptionist
Video clips of receptionist duties

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because it helps students understand the central role of a receptionist in creating a positive impression of an organization and handling visitors effectively.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have seen reception areas in schools, hospitals, or offices and can recall how they were received by people at the front desk.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

The Receptionist

A receptionist is the first person visitors meet when they enter an office or organization. The receptionist creates the first impression and provides information or directions.

Qualities of a Good Receptionist

A good receptionist must possess personal and professional attributes that enable him or her to perform duties effectively.

The following are qualities of a good receptionist:

Politeness and courtesy.
Good communication skills.
Smart and neat appearance.
Honesty and reliability.
Ability to work under pressure.
Good memory and organizational skills.
Patience and tolerance.
Confidence and friendliness.

Duties of a Receptionist

The duties of a receptionist cover handling visitors, communication, and general office support.

The following are duties of a receptionist:

Receiving and attending to visitors.
Answering and making telephone calls.
Keeping records in the visitor’s book.
Directing visitors to the right offices.
Handling correspondence and messages.
Maintaining the reception area.
Booking appointments for officials.
Providing information to clients and guests.

How to Receive and Treat Visitors

A receptionist must treat visitors with respect and professionalism. This creates a welcoming environment and a good image for the organization.

These include:

Greeting visitors politely.
Offering them a seat while they wait.
Asking for their names and purpose of visit.
Recording their details in the visitor’s book.
Directing or guiding them to the appropriate office.
Speaking clearly and respectfully at all times.

Appropriate Dress Code for a Receptionist

The way a receptionist dresses influences the impression created on visitors. A good dress code reflects professionalism.

The following are appropriate dress codes for a receptionist:

Wearing neat and smart clothes.
Dressing modestly and formally.
Wearing clean shoes.
Keeping hair tidy and well-groomed.
Avoiding flashy or distracting accessories.
Maintaining good personal hygiene.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:

Discussion, Lecture, Explanation, Demonstration, Role-play, Group Work, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher asks pupils if they have ever visited an office or hospital and who attended to them first. Teacher links responses to the topic.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils share experiences of meeting receptionists.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the role of a receptionist.

Step 2: Qualities of a Receptionist

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher explains qualities of a receptionist using flashcards and real-life examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and identify qualities.
Learning Point: Pupils understand qualities needed to be a good receptionist.

Step 3: Duties of a Receptionist

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher discusses the duties of a receptionist and presents charts or role-play demonstrations.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils list duties and give examples of when they saw receptionists performing these duties.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the major duties of a receptionist.

Step 4: Receiving and Treating Visitors

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Role-play
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher demonstrates how to welcome visitors and leads pupils in a role-play of receptionist duties.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in role-play by acting as receptionists and visitors.
Learning Point: Pupils learn practical ways of receiving and treating visitors.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher writes the board summary and instructs pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the summary into their exercise books.
Learning Point: Pupils record the key points of the lesson.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

List four qualities of a good receptionist.
Mention four duties of a receptionist.
Describe two ways a receptionist should treat visitors.
State three appropriate dress codes for a receptionist.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally to the questions.
Learning Point: Pupils show understanding of the topic.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher summarizes the lesson and emphasizes that the receptionist is the face of the organization.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask final questions.
Learning Point: Pupils appreciate the importance of the receptionist in business organizations.

Lesson Keywords

Receptionist – the person who attends to visitors in an office
Courtesy – showing politeness and respect
Correspondence – letters and messages in business communication
Appointment – arrangement to meet someone at a particular time
Dress Code – accepted way of dressing in an organization

Differentiation

Provide simpler explanations and repeat key points for slow learners. Use role-play to engage active learners. Assign group activities to encourage collaboration.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage pupils to participate in role-play for practical understanding. Stress the importance of neatness, politeness, and confidence when dealing with visitors.