Hello and Greetings

Overview

This 45-minute lesson introduces Year 1 pupils to basic English greetings and introductions, fostering confidence in speaking and listening within a Modern Foreign Language (MFL) context. The lesson utilises the “Hello! Let’s Learn English Together” presentation and integrates interactive games to engage young learners while adhering closely to the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) benchmarks for Languages.

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Curriculum for Excellence Links

Experiences and Outcomes (Year 1, Early Level):

• LIT 0-01a: I enjoy exploring and playing with the patterns and sounds of language, and can use what I learn.
• LIT 0-09a: I can say or sing words, rhyme, and join in with repeated refrains to show my awareness of the sounds and rhythm of language.
• LIT 0-14a: I can use questions and respond to simple statements such as greetings and instructions.
• MLAN 0-01a: I can understand and respond to familiar spoken language from a variety of contexts.
• MLAN 0-06a: I can recognise words and simple phrases related to personal information and everyday activities.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:

• Recognise and use simple greetings and introductions in English (Hello, My name is, How are you?).
• Compare English greetings with French equivalents to develop basic language awareness.
• Participate confidently in a classroom interactive game to reinforce vocabulary.
• Reflect on their learning verbally and identify a greeting they can use.

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Materials Required

• “Hello! Let’s Learn English Together” presentation slides
• Flashcards with greetings and names
• Whiteboard and markers
• Small name badges or stickers for introductions
• Soft ball or beanbag for game activities
• Visual chart comparing English and French greetings

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Lesson Structure

1. Warm-Up Activity (7 minutes)

Activity: “Name and Gesture” Circle

• Pupils sit in a circle.
• Each child says their name and performs a simple gesture (e.g., wave, thumbs up).
• The class repeats the child’s name and mimics the gesture together.
• Teacher models first to scaffold participation.

Purpose: To energise the class, establish social engagement, and begin speaking in a supportive environment.

Teacher Notes: Move quickly, ensure every child participates, keep atmosphere light and encouraging.

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2. Introduction to Greetings (10 minutes)

Activity: Presentation Slide - “Getting to Know Each Other” and “Magic Words: Greetings”

• Introduce greetings: “Hello”, “My name is”, “How are you?”
• Model the phrases with clear pronunciation and intonation.
• Use flashcards showing text and pictures.
• Invite pupils to repeat chorally, then in pairs practise short dialogues using name badges.
• Teacher circulates to support and praise positive attempts.

Teacher Notes:

• Use visuals to aid understanding.
• Keep language simple and slow-paced for Year 1 learners.
• Encourage eye contact and clear voice.
• Observe pairs for correct usage to guide feedback.

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3. English vs. French Greetings (8 minutes)

Activity: Presentation Slide - English greetings alongside French counterparts: “Bonjour”, “Je m’appelle”, “Comment ça va?”

• Teacher uses a visual comparison chart.
• Say each greeting in both languages.
• Ask pupils to listen carefully and repeat.
• Discuss which greetings sound similar or different (emphasising language diversity).
• Prompt pupils to guess which greeting they would use in different situations.

Purpose: Enhance language awareness and appreciation within a multilingual context linked to CfE Language Awareness goals.

Teacher Notes:

• Pace generously to accommodate listening skills.
• Use enthusiasm to spark curiosity about other languages.
• Reinforce respect for different languages.

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4. Interactive Game: Simon Says (12 minutes)

Activity: “Simon Says” with greetings and body language

• Commands include: “Say Hello!”, “Wave your hand!”, “Say My name is...”, “Smile!”, “Ask ‘How are you?’”
• First, teacher models the game with clear instructions.
• Pupils respond only if command starts with “Simon says.”
• Gradually increase pace to maintain energy and focus.

Purpose: Reinforce vocabulary actively, improve listening and processing skills, and encourage physical engagement.

Teacher Notes:

• Keep game playful but controlled.
• Use positive reinforcement to encourage participation.
• Adjust difficulty if some pupils seem unsure (e.g., slower commands).

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5. Closing Reflection (8 minutes)

Activity: Circle Time – “What did we learn today?”

• Teacher prompts children to share one greeting or phrase they enjoyed or can remember.
• Optionally, use a “talking ball” to pass between pupils to ensure everyone has a chance to speak.
• Teacher summarises key phrases and praises effort and progress.
• End with a class “Hello” and “Goodbye” chant to close.

Purpose: Consolidate learning and build confidence in speaking.

Teacher Notes:

• Encourage even shy pupils gently, but no pressure.
• Model clear use of language to scaffold responses.
• Praise all attempts to boost self-esteem.

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Assessment

• Ongoing formative assessment through observation during pair dialogues and Simon Says game, noting correct use of greetings and sentence formation.
• Teacher notes on participation and pronunciation for future planning.
• Pupil self-assessment during reflection as they articulate what they learned.

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Additional Teacher Tips

• Maintain a lively pace, switching between listening, speaking, and movement to suit young learners’ attention spans.
• Use lots of facial expressions and body language to aid comprehension.
• Scaffold language by breaking down phrases into single words initially, then building up.
• Be responsive to the group’s energy; take short movement breaks if needed to refocus children.
• Use praise consistently and be sensitive to varying confidence levels.

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This lesson plan is designed to build foundational English language skills in alignment with CfE, fostering both linguistic and intercultural awareness in a nurturing, active learning environment.