Grades K-2 Greetings
100 morning meeting greetings for kindergarten through 2nd grade.
Clap and Stomp HelloFor High EnergyA whole-class rhythm greeting to channel big energy
Teacher Says
Let's all clap two times, then stomp two times. Now turn to a friend and say 'Good morning!' Do it again — clap, clap, stomp, stomp, 'Good morning!'
Freeze Dance HelloFor High EnergyA movement greeting where kids dance and freeze to greet
Teacher Says
When I say 'go,' dance in place! When I say 'freeze,' stop and wave to the person closest to you. Let's do it three times!
Superhero GreetingFor High EnergyA big-movement greeting with a heroic pose
Teacher Says
Stand up tall and strike your best superhero pose! Now turn to a partner and say 'Good morning, hero!' Give each other a big thumbs up.
Popcorn Pop HelloFor High EnergyA bouncy whole-class greeting
Teacher Says
Crouch down like a little popcorn kernel. When I count to three, pop up and shout 'Good morning!' Ready? One, two, three — pop!
High-Five VolcanoFor High EnergyA partner greeting with explosive energy
Teacher Says
Find a partner. Put your hands together low, then slowly raise them up — when you get to the top, burst apart like a volcano and shout 'Good morning!'
Jump and BumpFor High EnergyA wiggly greeting that gets bodies moving
Teacher Says
Jump three times in place, then gently bump hips with your neighbor and say 'Hey, friend!' Let's do both sides!
Thunder Clap HelloFor High EnergyA loud, joyful whole-class greeting
Teacher Says
Let's make thunder! Clap your hands above your head as fast as you can. When I raise my hand, stop and whisper 'Good morning, everyone.'
Wiggle Worm WaveFor High EnergyA silly movement greeting
Teacher Says
Wiggle your whole body like a worm for five seconds! Now freeze and wave to three friends with your wiggliest wave.
Rocket Ship MorningFor High EnergyA countdown launch greeting for the whole class
Teacher Says
Crouch down low. Let's count down together: five, four, three, two, one — blast off! Jump up high and shout 'Good morning!'
Silly Shake HelloFor High EnergyA goofy partner greeting using handshakes
Teacher Says
Shake hands with your neighbor using your silliest handshake. Make it wiggly, floppy, and funny! Say 'Nice to see you!' while you shake.
Wake-Up Stretch HelloFor Low EnergyA gentle stretch greeting to wake up sleepy bodies
Teacher Says
Reach your arms way up high like a tall tree. Stretch side to side. Now look at your neighbor, smile, and say 'Good morning, sunshine!'
Drumroll GreetingFor Low EnergyA table-drumming greeting to build energy
Teacher Says
Pat your legs like a drum — start slow, then go faster and faster! When I say 'stop,' turn to a friend and say 'Hello!' with a big smile.
Clap and PassFor Low EnergyA clapping chain to wake up the circle
Teacher Says
I'll clap once and look at the person next to me. That person claps and looks at the next person. Pass the clap all the way around the circle. Let's see how fast we can go!
Animal Wake-UpFor Low EnergyA sound-based greeting using animal noises
Teacher Says
Let's wake up like animals! First, stretch like a cat and say 'meooww.' Now flap like a rooster and say 'cock-a-doodle-doo!' Turn to your neighbor and say 'Good morning!'
Snap, Clap, Stomp HelloFor Low EnergyA layered rhythm greeting to energize the room
Teacher Says
Follow me! Snap, snap. Clap, clap. Stomp, stomp. Now say 'Good morning!' Let's do it all together, faster this time!
High-Five TrainFor Low EnergyAn active greeting to wake up the room
Teacher Says
Stand up! Walk around and give five different friends a high-five. Say 'Good morning!' each time. Sit down when you've done all five.
Jumping Bean HelloFor Low EnergyA jumping greeting to get blood flowing
Teacher Says
Stand up and jump five times! Every time you land, say one word: 'Good — morn — ing — to — you!' Now high-five your neighbor and sit down.
Simon Says Good MorningFor Low EnergyA familiar game turned into a wake-up greeting
Teacher Says
Simon says touch your toes! Simon says wave your arms! Simon says turn to a friend and say 'Good morning!' Simon says sit down with a big smile.
Echo HelloFor Low EnergyA call-and-response greeting to get voices going
Teacher Says
I'll say 'Good morning, friends!' and you echo it back. Ready? Now I'll say it louder — you echo louder! One more time, even louder!
Twist and GreetFor Low EnergyA twisting movement greeting to loosen up
Teacher Says
Stand up and twist your body left, then right, then left again. Now face your neighbor, give a big wave, and say 'I'm awake and ready!'
Butterfly Hands HelloFor Anxious RoomsA calm, gentle partner greeting
Teacher Says
Put your hands together like a butterfly. Open and close them slowly. Now touch your butterfly to your neighbor's butterfly and whisper 'Good morning.'
Warm Hands GreetingFor Anxious RoomsA breathing and warmth greeting to soothe nerves
Teacher Says
Rub your hands together until they feel warm. Now gently hold your neighbor's hands for a moment and say 'I'm glad you're here today.'
Pinky Promise MorningFor Anxious RoomsA gentle, predictable connection greeting
Teacher Says
Link pinkies with your neighbor and say 'I promise to be a good friend today.' Then give a little pinky shake.
Elbow Bump HelloFor Anxious RoomsA low-contact greeting that feels safe
Teacher Says
Turn to your neighbor. Gently bump elbows and say 'Hello, friend.' Then do the same with the person on your other side.
Teddy Bear HugFor Anxious RoomsA self-hug greeting to build comfort
Teacher Says
Wrap your arms around yourself and give yourself a big hug. Now look at your neighbor and say 'Good morning.' You're safe and welcome here.
Whisper WaveFor Anxious RoomsA quiet, gentle greeting for worried mornings
Teacher Says
Give a tiny wave — just with your fingers. Now whisper 'Good morning' to the person next to you. Quiet and kind is just right today.
Breathe and Smile HelloFor Anxious RoomsA calming breathing greeting
Teacher Says
Let's take one deep breath together. Breathe in through your nose, out through your mouth. Now smile at your neighbor and say 'Good morning.'
Peace Sign GreetingFor Anxious RoomsA simple hand-sign greeting for shy mornings
Teacher Says
Hold up a peace sign to your neighbor. They hold one up back. Now touch your peace signs together gently and say 'Peace and good morning.'
Thumbs-Up Check-InFor Anxious RoomsA nonverbal greeting that respects quiet feelings
Teacher Says
Show me a thumbs up if you're feeling okay, or a thumbs to the side if you need a little extra kindness today. Now give your neighbor a gentle thumbs up.
Shoulder Touch HelloFor Anxious RoomsA soft, predictable partner greeting
Teacher Says
Gently put your hand on your neighbor's shoulder and say 'Good morning, friend.' Then they do the same to you. Slow and gentle.
Eye Contact SmileFor Focused RoomsA quiet, mindful greeting with no words needed
Teacher Says
Look at your neighbor. Make eye contact, smile, and give a gentle nod. No words needed — just a kind look.
Good Morning SongFor Focused RoomsA familiar sing-along greeting to center the class
Teacher Says
Let's sing together: 'Good morning, good morning, good morning to you! Good morning, good morning, we're glad to see you!'
Name Chain HelloFor Focused RoomsA round-the-circle greeting to practice names
Teacher Says
We'll go around the circle. Say 'Good morning, my name is ___' and give a small wave. Listen carefully to each person's name.
Mirror GreetingFor Focused RoomsA partner greeting that builds focus and connection
Teacher Says
Face your partner. One person moves their hands slowly, and the other copies like a mirror. After ten seconds, switch. Then say 'Good morning.'
Quiet HandshakeFor Focused RoomsA calm, respectful partner greeting
Teacher Says
Shake hands with your neighbor slowly and gently. Look them in the eye and say 'Good morning, [name].' Use their real name.
Heartbeat HelloFor Focused RoomsA calming listening greeting
Teacher Says
Put your hand on your heart. Feel it beating. Now look at your neighbor and say 'Good morning.' We're all here and we're all ready.
One Word MorningFor Focused RoomsA brief verbal greeting that encourages listening
Teacher Says
Go around the circle. Say 'Good morning' and one word about how you feel today. Just one word — like 'happy' or 'sleepy.' We'll listen to each one.
Finger Wave HelloFor Focused RoomsA tiny, quiet greeting for focused mornings
Teacher Says
Hold up one finger. Slowly wave it at your neighbor like a little wand. They wave back. Now whisper 'Ready to learn' together.
Clap Pattern HelloFor Focused RoomsA rhythm-based greeting that builds attention
Teacher Says
I'll clap a pattern, you clap it back. Then turn to a friend and create your own two-clap pattern together.
Fist Bump and FocusFor Focused RoomsA quick partner greeting that sets a learning tone
Teacher Says
Give your neighbor a gentle fist bump. Now both of you take a deep breath. Say 'Let's have a great day' together quietly.
Bunny Hop HelloFor High EnergyA hopping whole-class greeting full of giggles
Teacher Says
Hop like a bunny three times! Now wiggle your nose at your neighbor and say 'Hoppy morning!' Do it one more time even faster!
Firework FingersFor High EnergyA partner greeting with an explosion of hands
Teacher Says
Make fists with your partner. Count to three, then burst your fingers open wide like fireworks! Say 'Boom! Good morning!' Try it again with a silly sound effect!
Dinosaur StompFor High EnergyA loud stomping greeting with big dinosaur energy
Teacher Says
Stomp your feet like a big dinosaur! Make your loudest ROAR! Now turn to your friend and give them a tiny dinosaur wave with your little arms. Say 'Good morning, dino friend!'
Spin and GrinFor High EnergyA spinning partner greeting that ends with a big smile
Teacher Says
Spin around one time. When you stop, find the friend closest to you. Give them your biggest grin and say 'Good morning, friend!' Now spin the other way and do it again!
Clap Clap BoomFor High EnergyA whole-class rhythm greeting with a big finish
Teacher Says
Clap your hands twice, then slap your knees once and shout 'BOOM!' Now do it with your neighbor at the same time. Let's see if the whole class can do it together — clap, clap, BOOM!
Monkey MorningFor High EnergyA silly movement greeting with animal actions
Teacher Says
Swing your arms like a monkey! Make your best monkey sound! Now find a partner and do a monkey high-five. Say 'Ooh ooh, good morning!' Sit down like a quiet little monkey.
Boing Boing HelloFor High EnergyA bouncy movement greeting using pretend springs
Teacher Says
Pretend you have springs on your shoes! Bounce up and down and say 'boing, boing, boing!' Now bounce over to a friend and say 'Good morning!' Bounce back to your spot!
Double High-Five BlastFor High EnergyA two-handed partner greeting with big energy
Teacher Says
Find a partner. Both hands up! Slap a big double high-five and shout 'Good morning!' Now find another partner and do it again. See if you can do three partners before I count to ten!
Gallop GreetingFor High EnergyA galloping whole-class greeting with horse sounds
Teacher Says
Gallop in place like a horse! Clip-clop, clip-clop! Now say 'Neighhh, good morning!' to your neighbor. Give them a gentle pat on the back like you're patting a pony.
Kazoo CheerFor High EnergyA buzzy sound greeting with pretend instruments
Teacher Says
Put your lips together and hum like a kazoo — bzzzzz! Now point your kazoo at a friend and buzz 'Good morning!' Let's all buzz together and then shout 'Hello!' on three!
Penguin Waddle WaveFor High EnergyA waddling movement greeting with flappy arms
Teacher Says
Waddle like a penguin with your arms at your sides! Waddle over to a friend and flap your penguin wings at them. Say 'Good morning, penguin pal!' Now waddle back to your spot.
Pop-Up SurpriseFor High EnergyA hiding and popping whole-class greeting
Teacher Says
Duck down and hide behind your hands. When I say 'surprise,' pop up with your hands wide and shout 'Good morning!' Let's do it three times — each time, pop up bigger and louder!
Bumble Bee BuzzFor High EnergyA buzzing movement greeting with flying hands
Teacher Says
Buzz your hands around like a bumble bee! Fly your bee over to a friend and gently land on their shoulder. Say 'Bzzzz, good morning!' Now fly back to your flower — I mean, your seat!
Cha-Cha ClapFor High EnergyA dancing rhythm greeting with a simple beat
Teacher Says
Step to the right, step to the left, clap your hands! Now do it again and add 'Good morning!' at the clap. Let's cha-cha together as a whole class — right, left, clap-morning!
Tornado Twist HelloFor High EnergyA spinning and freezing whole-class greeting
Teacher Says
Spin around like a little tornado! When I clap, freeze in a silly pose! Now look at the person next to you in their silly pose and say 'Good morning, tornado friend!'
Sunny Stretch HelloFor Low EnergyA reaching stretch greeting to gently wake up
Teacher Says
Reach up high like you're trying to touch the sun! Stretch your fingers wide. Now slowly bring your hands down and wave them at your neighbor. Say 'Rise and shine, friend!'
Yawn and WaveFor Low EnergyA silly yawning greeting that turns sleepy into smiley
Teacher Says
Let out your biggest yawn and stretch your arms out wide. Now turn that yawn into a big smile! Wave at your neighbor with floppy, sleepy arms and say 'I'm waking up! Good morning!'
Toe Tap Wake-UpFor Low EnergyA gentle tapping greeting to get feet moving
Teacher Says
Tap your toes on the floor — left, right, left, right. Start slow, then go a little faster. Now tap your toes against your neighbor's toes and say 'Good morning, tappy toes!'
Raindrop FingersFor Low EnergyA finger tapping greeting that builds from soft to loud
Teacher Says
Tap one finger on your palm like a tiny raindrop. Now add more fingers — pitter patter! Make it rain louder and louder! Now stop and say 'Good morning!' to your neighbor with a splash sound.
Slow Clap MorningFor Low EnergyA building-speed clap greeting to raise energy step by step
Teacher Says
Start with one slow clap. Then another. Now a little faster. Keep going faster and faster until we're all clapping super fast! Now stop and say 'We're awake! Good morning!'
Pancake Flip HelloFor Low EnergyA silly cooking-themed greeting to wake up with giggles
Teacher Says
Hold up your flat hand like a pancake in a pan. Flip it up in the air and catch it! Say 'Flipping good morning!' to your neighbor. Flip your pancake three times while saying 'good-morn-ing!'
Wake-Up WipersFor Low EnergyA windshield-wiper arm greeting to shake off sleepiness
Teacher Says
Move your arms back and forth in front of you like windshield wipers. Swish, swish, swish! Now wipe the sleep away from your eyes and say 'I can see you! Good morning!'
Bear Cub StretchFor Low EnergyA cozy animal stretch greeting to wake up gently
Teacher Says
Pretend you're a little bear waking up from a nap. Stretch your arms and legs out big! Yawn like a bear — raaahh! Now pat your bear buddy on the back and say 'Morning, bear friend!'
Robot Power-OnFor Low EnergyA robotic movement greeting to boot up sleepy bodies
Teacher Says
You're a robot that's powering on! Move one arm — beep! Move the other arm — boop! Turn your head — beep! Now say in a robot voice 'Good-morn-ing-friend!' and give a stiff robot wave.
Balloon Rise HelloFor Low EnergyA slow-rising movement greeting to lift up energy
Teacher Says
Pretend you're a balloon being blown up. Start crouched down small. Slowly rise up as I blow air — whoooosh. When you're all the way up, float over to a friend and say 'Good morning!' in a floaty voice.
Squeeze and ReleaseFor Low EnergyA tension-and-release greeting to energize muscles
Teacher Says
Squeeze your fists as tight as you can. Squeeze your whole body tight! Now let it all go — flop like a noodle! Shake your arms out and wave to your neighbor. Say 'Ahh, good morning!'
Copycat HelloFor Low EnergyA follow-the-leader greeting to get bodies moving
Teacher Says
Copy what I do! Touch your nose. Touch your ears. Pat your tummy. Now wave at your neighbor — did you copy that too? Say 'Good morning, copycat!'
Sunrise ArmsFor Low EnergyA slow arm-raise greeting like a rising sun
Teacher Says
Put your arms down low. Slowly raise them up like the sun coming up over the hills. When your arms are all the way up, wiggle your fingers like sunbeams and say 'The sun is up! Good morning!'
Shake It Out HelloFor Low EnergyA body-shaking greeting to wake up arms and legs
Teacher Says
Shake your right hand ten times. Now your left hand. Now your right foot. Now your left foot. Now shake everything at once! Stop and say 'Good morning! I'm all shaken up!'
Caterpillar CrawlFor Low EnergyA finger-walking greeting to slowly build up energy
Teacher Says
Walk your fingers up your arm like a caterpillar — slowly, slowly. When your caterpillar reaches your shoulder, it turns into a butterfly! Flap your arms and say 'Good morning, butterfly!' to your neighbor.
Feather Touch HelloFor Anxious RoomsA super-soft partner greeting for nervous mornings
Teacher Says
Pretend your finger is a feather. Very gently touch your neighbor's hand with your feather finger. Now they do it to you. Whisper 'Good morning, friend.' Soft and gentle is perfect.
Cloud Breathing HelloFor Anxious RoomsA fluffy cloud visualization greeting to calm worries
Teacher Says
Close your eyes. Imagine a big, fluffy cloud. Breathe in and make the cloud bigger. Breathe out and let it float away. Open your eyes, look at your neighbor, and say 'Good morning' softly.
Heart Hands HelloFor Anxious RoomsA gentle hand-heart greeting for tender mornings
Teacher Says
Make a heart shape with your hands. Hold it up and show it to your neighbor. They make a heart back. Now touch your hearts together gently. No words needed — your heart says it all.
Cozy CocoonFor Anxious RoomsA wrapping-up self-soothe greeting to feel safe
Teacher Says
Wrap your arms around yourself like a cozy cocoon. Give yourself a little squeeze. Now slowly open up your arms and wave to your neighbor. Say 'Good morning. I'm here.'
Star Wish HelloFor Anxious RoomsA wishing greeting to shift focus from worry to hope
Teacher Says
Hold up your hand like a star. Make a quiet wish for your day. Now touch your star to your neighbor's star and whisper 'Good morning.' Your wish is safe.
Snail Pace GreetingFor Anxious RoomsA slow-motion greeting that takes the pressure off
Teacher Says
Move your hand toward your neighbor in super slow motion. When your hands finally touch, whisper 'Good morning' in the slowest voice you can. No rush at all today.
Quiet RainbowFor Anxious RoomsA tracing-the-air greeting to settle jittery feelings
Teacher Says
Draw a rainbow in the air with your finger. Nice and slow. Now draw one for your neighbor in front of them. Whisper 'Good morning — you make the day colorful.'
Pebble PassFor Anxious RoomsA tactile greeting using a small calming object
Teacher Says
Hold this smooth pebble in your hand. Feel how cool it is. Pass it to your neighbor gently and say 'Good morning.' When you hold the pebble, take one deep breath before passing it on.
Invisible HugFor Anxious RoomsA pretend hug greeting for kids who need space
Teacher Says
Open your arms wide but don't touch anyone. Send an invisible hug through the air to your neighbor. They catch it and hold it tight. Say 'I sent you a hug. Good morning.'
Tiny Voice HelloFor Anxious RoomsA super-quiet greeting that honors small feelings
Teacher Says
Use the tiniest voice you have. Say 'Good morning' so quietly only your neighbor can hear. They say it back just as tiny. Sometimes small voices are the bravest.
Leaf Float GreetingFor Anxious RoomsA gentle floating-hand greeting to calm the body
Teacher Says
Hold your hand up high. Let it float down slowly like a leaf falling from a tree. When it lands on your lap, look at your neighbor and say 'Good morning.' Everything is okay.
Raindrop Tap HelloFor Anxious RoomsA soft tapping greeting to feel calm and connected
Teacher Says
Gently tap your own shoulders like little raindrops — tap, tap, tap. Now tap your neighbor's hand softly two times and say 'Good morning, friend.' Raindrops are gentle, and so are we.
Nest GreetingFor Anxious RoomsA cupped-hands greeting to feel safe and held
Teacher Says
Cup your hands together like a little bird's nest. Pretend there's a tiny bird inside. Show your nest to your neighbor and whisper 'Good morning, little bird.' We'll keep things safe and gentle today.
Snowflake FingersFor Anxious RoomsA delicate finger-wiggling greeting for quiet starts
Teacher Says
Hold your hands up and wiggle your fingers softly like snowflakes falling. Let your snowflakes land on your neighbor's hands. Whisper 'Good morning, snowflake.' Soft and quiet is just right.
Blanket BreathFor Anxious RoomsA cozy breathing greeting to wrap up worries
Teacher Says
Pretend you're pulling a warm blanket up to your chin. Take a deep breath under your cozy blanket. Now peek out, see your neighbor, and whisper 'Good morning.' You're safe and warm here.
Listening Ears HelloFor Focused RoomsA mindful greeting that activates careful listening
Teacher Says
Cup your hands behind your ears like big listening ears. Listen to the sounds in the room for five seconds. Now turn to your neighbor and whisper 'Good morning. I'm ready to listen.'
Color Spy GreetingFor Focused RoomsA noticing greeting that sharpens observation
Teacher Says
Look at your neighbor. Find one color they're wearing today. Now say 'Good morning! I see you're wearing [color].' They do the same for you. Good noticing!
Statue HelloFor Focused RoomsA stillness greeting that practices body control
Teacher Says
Stand as still as a statue. Don't move a muscle! Hold it for five seconds. Now slowly turn your head to your neighbor and say 'Good morning' without moving anything else.
Counting NodFor Focused RoomsA numbered greeting around the circle
Teacher Says
We'll count around the circle. Say your number and nod to the next person. One — nod. Two — nod. Three — nod. Let's see if we can get all the way around without anyone missing their turn.
Thinking Cap HelloFor Focused RoomsA pretend hat greeting to get brains ready
Teacher Says
Pretend to put on your thinking cap. Pull it down over your ears. Now tap it two times and say 'Good morning! My brain is on!' Turn to your neighbor and help them put on their thinking cap too.
Hands on Desk HelloFor Focused RoomsA calm seated greeting that sets a ready tone
Teacher Says
Put both hands flat on your desk. Take one deep breath. Now lift one hand and give your neighbor a gentle wave. Say 'Good morning. I'm ready.' Put your hand back down.
Whisper ChainFor Focused RoomsA quiet passing greeting that practices patience
Teacher Says
I'll whisper 'Good morning, friends' to the first person. They whisper it to the next person. Pass it all the way around. Let's see if the message stays the same at the end!
Shape Trace HelloFor Focused RoomsA finger-tracing greeting that builds focus
Teacher Says
Trace a circle on your palm with your finger. Now trace a triangle. Now trace a star. Turn to your neighbor and trace a smiley face on their palm. Say 'Good morning!'
Owl Eyes GreetingFor Focused RoomsA looking-around greeting to practice paying attention
Teacher Says
Make big owl eyes with your hands. Look around the room slowly with your owl eyes. Find your neighbor, hoot softly — 'Hoo hoo!' — and say 'Good morning. I see you today.'
Slow Wave HelloFor Focused RoomsA measured-pace wave greeting for settling in
Teacher Says
Raise your hand. Wave at your neighbor in slow motion — reeeally slow. They wave back just as slowly. Now say 'Good morning' in your calm, ready voice.
Book Stack GreetingFor Focused RoomsA pretend stacking greeting to set a learning mood
Teacher Says
Pretend to stack invisible books on your desk. One, two, three! Now pretend to open the top book. Look at your neighbor and say 'Good morning! Ready to learn something new!'
Partner BlinkFor Focused RoomsA quiet eye-contact greeting that needs concentration
Teacher Says
Face your partner and look into each other's eyes. Blink three times at the same time — try to match! Then say 'Good morning' together. Did you blink at the same time?
Secret Signal HelloFor Focused RoomsA special class signal greeting to build community
Teacher Says
Today our secret class signal is two taps on your heart. Do it now — tap, tap. When your neighbor sees your signal, they do it back. Now both of you whisper 'Good morning, team.'
Silence and SmileFor Focused RoomsA no-words greeting for a calm, centered start
Teacher Says
Let's be completely silent. No sounds. Just look at your neighbor and smile. Hold that smile for five seconds. That smile is your greeting today. Now we're ready.
Paintbrush HelloFor Focused RoomsA pretend painting greeting to engage imagination quietly
Teacher Says
Pick up your pretend paintbrush. Paint a big smiley face in the air for your neighbor. They paint one for you. Now say 'Good morning, artist!' and put your brush away. Time to learn.