Presentation

  1. 1

    Gather a small group. Ask a second adult or an older child to be the partner.

  2. 2

    Say: 'I am going to show you how we greet someone when we arrive.'

  3. 3

    Walk up to the partner, stop an arm's length away, and look at their face.

  4. 4

    Say: 'Good morning, Maria.' The partner answers: 'Good morning, Ms. Lee.'

  5. 5

    If the class shakes hands, offer your right hand, hold it gently, shake once, and let go.

  6. 6

    Repeat once, slowly.

  7. 7

    Invite each child in turn to greet the partner.

Extensions, easiest to hardest

  1. Greet a visitor at the classroom door
  2. Say goodbye by name at dismissal
  3. Greet someone in another language spoken in the class

Control of error

The other person answers; if the greeting is not heard, there is no reply.

Ready to move on when the child…

  • Greets adults and classmates by name at arrival without prompting
  • Looks at the person when greeting
  • Answers a greeting from a visitor

Guide note

Some children and families avoid direct eye contact or touch for cultural or sensory reasons; accept a spoken greeting alone.

Try “pink tower”, “tummy”, “diaper”, “grace and courtesy”, or “October”.