Hellos From Near and Far

Children walk to the music and, when it stops, greet whoever is nearby with a greeting from somewhere else: a bow, palms together, elbow bump, nose touch. It builds welcome, respect for others and awareness of different customs.

How to play

1. In a circle, teach four greetings with a short story: a bow from Japan, palms together from India, an elbow bump, and the Māori hongi from New Zealand, touching noses and foreheads (2 min).
2. Play music and walk around, waving at anyone you pass (1 min).
3. When the music stops, the teacher names a greeting and you do it with the closest person (2 min).
4. Invite children with family from other countries to teach how people greet there and add it (2 min).
5. To finish, everyone bows toward the middle of the circle: “Hello, everybody!” (1 min).

Rules

• Greet gently, no squeezing.
• If someone doesn't want to touch, greet without touching.
• When the music stops, look for someone who is alone.

Variations

Adaptations

• Autism or touch sensitivity: always offer a no-touch option and remind them they can choose.
• Hearing impairment: flick the lights when the music stops and show a picture of the greeting.
• Limited mobility: classmates come to them, and greetings are adjusted to wheelchair height.

Learning goals

• Learn greetings from different cultures.
• Make respectful contact with classmates.
• Move through space in response to music.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Music

Teacher tip

Ask families beforehand how they greet at home; they're your best source. Kids tend to run to their best friend, so keep reminding them to find someone alone.

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