The Purpose of a "Hello Song"

What is the purpose of a "greeting" or "hello" song?

I start each Music and Movement class with a greeting song.  Each child's name is sung as we do an action or dance move.  I change the actual song every few months but keep the essential part of singing each child's name.

Why?

A child's name is her identity.  To greet a child by name validates who she is and affirms her presence in class.  It also teaches children that the spotlight will be on them when it is their turn and then it will be someone else's turn to be in the spotlight.  It is a subtle way to teach children to share attention.

Our Favorite "Hello Songs"

Who Are You?
This is an "I-Spy" type song.  I sing something special about each child and they sing back in response.  The children love to hear me sing about them.

I see a girl whose skirt is pink,
skirt is pink,
skirt is pink.

I see a girl whose skirt is pink,
Who are you?
(child responds)  I am Rachel.


The Wreath Dance
Start out holding hands, dancing in a circle.

Come along children
Join hands and make a ring
"Abigail" your turn
Braid a wreath as we sing. (Each child crosses her arms as she is named and continues holding hands and dancing in a circle. By the end of the song everyone's arms are crossed.)


Children wait with rapt attention to hear their own name and the names of their friends.  A greeting song is a great way to make friends with your students as you welcome them to class.