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).
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).
English Language Arts/Reading and Literature 12: Listen to, recite, sing, and dramatize a variety of age-appropriate literature.
Greeting Song: “Will You Meet a Friend of Mine?” #1
© Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Early Education and Care (Jennifer Waddell photographer). All rights reserved.
ELA Focus Skills: Fine Motor Skills, Phonological Awareness, Speaking and Listening
Have children stand in a circle. Sing “Will You Meet a Friend of Mine?”
Before you sing the last line, signal to the child to your left to take a step into the circle.
- Sing the last line, adding the child’s name: This is my friend (child's name).
- Then have the rest of the children wave and say, Hi, (child's name!)
Continue until you have acknowledged each child. Invite children to sing along with you.
Will You Meet a Friend of Mine?
(sung to the tune of “Mary Had a Little Lamb”)
Will you meet a friend of mine?
Friend of mine?
Friend of mine?
Will you meet a friend of mine?
This is my friend <child’s name>. (children wave to child)
Hi, <child’s name>! (children greet child)
Social Emotional Tip: Having everyone acknowledge that they are part of the group helps to build children’s self-confidence and sense of belonging.
English Language Learners: If English language learners have difficulty understanding the words in the song, pair them with strong English speakers who can pantomime words or concepts.