As teachers, one of our most vital roles is instilling basic social skills in our students. A simple yet significant skill is greeting others, which lays the foundation for every social interaction. With the help of the Free Greeting Others video lesson and activity from Everyday Speech, we have a fantastic tool to impart this skill. To support you further, we’ve outlined a lesson plan filled with no-prep activity ideas. Let’s get started!

Free Greeting Others Video Lesson and Activity: A Peek Inside

Before we dive into the lesson plan, let’s summarize the key teaching points from the video:

1. Move closer and face bodies toward them: This is the initial approach. By facing the person we’re greeting, we acknowledge their presence.
2. Look at them & smile: This non-verbal gesture makes the greeting warm and friendly.
3. Say hi or hey: Vocalizing the greeting gives it clarity and cements the intention.

Lesson Plan

Objective:

By the end of this lesson, students should be able to confidently greet their peers by following the three steps outlined in the video lesson.

Materials:

• Access to the Everyday Speech video “Greeting a Peer”
• Greeting Others Matching Worksheet

Procedure:

1. Introduction (5 mins):
   • Discuss the importance of greetings in daily life.
   • Question: “Why do we greet people? How does it feel when someone greets you?”
2. Video Viewing (5 mins):
   • Watch the “Greeting a Peer” video from Everyday Speech (Available on YouTube).
   • Pause after each step to discuss and ensure understanding.
3. Matching Worksheet (10 mins):
   • Pair up students.
   • Distribute the Greeting Others Matching Activity.
   • Allow pairs to practice matching various scenarios with appropriate greetings.
4. Discussion (5 mins):
   • Ask students about the worksheet. Was it challenging?
   • Share insights on the importance of body language in communication.
5. Reinforcement Activity (10 mins):
   • In a circle, let students greet each other, ensuring they follow all the steps.
   • Encourage the rest of the group to give feedback after each greeting.
6. Conclusion (5 mins):
   • Reiterate the importance of the three steps.
   • Encourage students to practice their new skill throughout the day.

Optimizing Your Lesson Experience

To make the most out of this lesson, remember:

• Encourage Openness: Some students may feel shy or anxious. It’s crucial to create an environment where they feel safe and supported.
• Feedback is Key: Ensure you provide constructive feedback during the role-playing sessions, emphasizing the positives and suggesting improvements where necessary.

In Conclusion

Greeting is a foundational social skill, and with Everyday Speech’s “Greeting a Peer” video lesson and these no-prep activities, you can ensure that every student feels confident initiating social interactions.

Sample Video

Students learn best from watching real students their own age model skills. Try out this sample video-modeling lesson below. We offer our entire Social-Emotional Learning platform free for 30 days here!

Related Blog Posts:

Teaching Students in Special Education to Greet Peers

Teaching Students the Art of Greeting Others: Tips and Activities for Educators

Mastering Social Emotional Learning Greetings: Enhancing Emotional Intelligence