Warm Greetings
Teacher: Hi. Green shirt and pink pants?
Girl: Yeah.
Teacher: Yeah? And shoes.
Girl: And him.
Teacher: And Diego. And he has shoes. Pink shoes and black shoes. OK, can you go, go potty? Hi. How are ya? What’d you eat for breakfast?
Diego: I ate cereal ...
Teacher: Yeah?
Diego: With chocolate.
Teacher: Chocolate cereal? That sounds like dessert to me. All right, let’s see your hands. Hi.
Boy 1: Hi.
Teacher: What’d you eat for breakfast?
Boy 1: Nothing.
Teacher: Nothing? Ooh, you’re gonna be hungry. We’re having PB&J for sandwich, sandwich for our snack. Hi. What did you eat for breakfast?
Boy 2: Pizza!
Teacher: Pizza, that’s a good breakfast. What flavor was it?
Boy 2: My favorite.
Teacher: Your favorite? Was it pepperoni or cheese?
Boy 2: Cheese.
Teacher: Cheese pizza, mm, mm, mm ...
A friendly and welcoming greeting sets a positive tone, creating a safe and inclusive environment. This initial warmth establishes trust and comfort. It makes children feel valued and acknowledged. It also lays the groundwork for open communication and a sense of belonging, fostering a supportive relationship between educators and children. This simple yet powerful gesture contributes to a positive learning atmosphere where children are more likely to engage, share, and thrive.
