Songs for children

Language focus: "Hello." "How are you?" "I'm good/great/wonderful!" "I'm tired/hungry/not so good."

Classroom benefits: Hello! is a great song to start the day with, or start a class with. This song was created to encourage kids to express varying degrees of feelings, rather than just saying “fine” or robotically replying (as is the case with many ESL/EFL learners), “I’m fine, thank

youandyou?” But most of all, it’s a feel-good song designed to get kids moving and interacting.Try singing the song in a circle, or in two lines facing one another. With the banjo, the song has a little bit of a square dance feel to it, so kick up those knees and do-si-do your partner!

Lyrics and actions:

Hello! [Wave your right hand.]

Hello! [Wave your left hand.]

Hello, how are you? [Wave your right hand, then gesture towards someone else, placing your arms in front of you in an

“And you?” kind of gesture.]
I’m good! (I’m GOOD!) [Thumbs up!]

I’m great! (I’m GREAT!) [Thrust your hand in the air!]

I’m wonderful! [Place both hands on the side of your face, making a sun-like gesture, and SMILE!]x2

Hello! Hello! Hello, how are you?
I’m tired. (I’m tired.) [Slouch your shoulders and sigh.]

I’m hungry. (I’m hungry.) [Rub your tummy.]

I’m not so good. [Frown, wave your hand in front of your face, and nod your head “no”.]x2
Hello! Hello! Hello, how are you?x2

Activity ideas:
You’ll notice that the verses are each repeated once. If you sing the song with two lines facing one another, have one side sing the verse one time through, and then the other side respond by singing the verse the second time through. You can also have each line take turns in the chorus. One side sings, “Hello, hello, hello, how are you?” and the other side responds in kind, “Hello, hello, hello, how are you?” Have students facing one another lock arms and do a quick spin at each break between chorus and verse.