- name cards (2 sets)
- stickers (optional)
MA Standards:
Speaking and Listening/SL.PK.MA.1a: Observe and use appropriate ways of interacting in a group (e.g., taking turns in talking, listening to peers, waiting to speak until another person is finished talking, asking questions and waiting for an answer, gaining the floor in appropriate ways).
Foundational Skills/RF.PK.MA.3.c: Recognize one’s own name and familiar common signs and labels (e.g., STOP).
Head Start Outcomes:
Social Emotional Development/
Self-Regulation: Follows simple rules, routines, and directions.
Language Development/Receptive Language: Attends to language during conversations, songs, stories, or other learning experiences.
PreK Learning Guidelines:
English Language Arts/Language 1: Observe and use appropriate ways of interacting in a group (taking turns in talking; listening to peers; waiting until someone is finished; asking questions and waiting for an answer; gaining the floor in appropriate ways).
Greeting Song: “If Your Name Is in My Hand” #1
© Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Early Education and Care (Jennifer Waddell photographer). All rights reserved.
ELA Focus Skills: Name Recognition, Phonological Awareness
Educator Prep: Before gathering, place matching stickers on each duplicate set of name cards. This will give children who are not yet recognizing their name in print a visual (sticker) to match as cards are held up.
Have children sit together in a circle and give each child his or her name card.
- Tell children you are going to hold up a name card and say the name on the card. Say, If you have the matching card then stand and say your name and then “I’m here!” Let’s try it. Demonstrate with one child. Have the child sit down and then continue until all children have had a turn to stand.
Now tell children you are going to hold up two name cards each time you sing the song. Have both children stand.
- Demonstrate singing one round as you hold up a different name card for each of the first two lines. Remind children to jump up and say “I’m here!” when you hold up their name card. Have children remain standing as you sing.
- When you get to the last line have them respond with, “We’re here!” This will help to give children a sense of inclusion as part of the group.
- Continue until each child has been called. If there are an odd number of children in your group, use your own name card.
If Your Name Is in My Hand
(sung to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It”)
If your name is in my hand, say, “I’m here!” (I’m here!)
If your name is in my hand, say, “I’m here!” (I’m here!)
If your name is in my hand, then you really ought to stand. (stand)
If your name is in my hand, say, “I’m here!” (I’m here!)