Feeling Hellos

Children walk around and, when the drum stops, greet the nearest friend with a different hello for each feeling. It warms up the body and practices respectful contact with classmates.

How to play

1. Walk around the space; when the drum stops, find the nearest friend and look at each other (1 min).
2. Happy hello: a high five up high and a little hop together (1 min).
3. Calm hello: slowly nod and smile (1 min).
4. Hello for a sad friend: a gentle pat on the shoulder (1 min).
5. Hello for a scared friend: hold hands and say “I'm here” (1 min).
6. The teacher calls the hello before stopping the drum and children greet a different friend each time (1 min).

Rules

• I greet gently, no pushing or squeezing.
• If someone doesn't want to be touched, I wave from a distance.
• I find a new friend each time.

Variations

Adaptations

• Autism: always allow a no-touch hello (a wave or thumbs-up).
• Visual impairment: walk hand in hand with a buddy and greet with voice and touch.
• Limited mobility: classmates come over to greet the child in the wheelchair.

Learning goals

• Warm up by walking around the space.
• Show with a gesture how I feel or how I help.
• Connect with different classmates.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Hand drum: 1

Teacher tip

Teach the wave-from-a-distance hello from day one as an equally good option, so nobody feels pushed. The usual mistake is always going to a best friend; remind them “someone new.”

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