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.
Literacy Knowledge/Print Concepts and Conventions: Recognizes print in everyday life, such as numbers, letters, one’s name, words, and familiar logos and signs.
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).
English Language Arts/Reading and Literature 12: Listen to, recite, sing, and dramatize a variety of age-appropriate literature.
Mathematics/Data Collection and Analysis 15: Recognize one’s own name and familiar common signs and labels (e.g., STOP).
Greeting Song: “We’re Happy You Are Here” #5
© Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Early Education and Care (Jennifer Waddell photographer). All rights reserved.
ELA Focus Skills: Name Recognition, Phonological Awareness (Rhythm and Repetition)
Say, When I sing “We’re Happy You Are Here,” I will hold up name cards. If I show your name card, say your name.
- Sing the song, holding up three name cards—pause between each one to allow children to recognize their names and say them aloud.
- Continue to hold up cards three at a time until all children have “read” their cards and said their names.
- Have everyone sing the final verse together. As you sing the lines, clap out the syllables. Demonstrate for children before having them begin.
We’re Happy You Are Here
Hello, <child’s name>.
Hello, <child’s name>.
Hello, <child’s name>.
We’re happy you are here.
Final Verse
Hello, everyone.
Hello, everyone.
Hello, everyone.
We’re happy you are here.