Greeting Practice Script

Warm-Up: Frosty Greetings (2 minutes)

"Good morning, everyone! Or should I say, 'Happy almost-winter-break!' I'm so excited to dive into some really important skills today, especially with the festive season right around the corner!"

"To get us started, I want to hear about your favorite things to do in winter. Who loves building snowmen? Raise your hand! Who enjoys a warm mug of hot cocoa by a fireplace? How about decorating for the holidays? Awesome!"

"Today, we're going to talk about how we can share that warm, happy feeling with others through our words and actions, just like a cozy winter day!"

Introducing Festive Greetings & Conversation Starters (5 minutes)

(Display Winter Greetings Slide Deck - Slide: Festive Greetings!)

"When we see someone we know, or even someone new, especially during this special time of year, how do we say 'hello'? Instead of just 'hi,' we can use greetings that bring extra cheer!"

"Look at these examples on the screen: 'Happy Holidays!' 'Merry Christmas!' 'Happy Kwanzaa!' 'Season's Greetings!' and 'Warmest Winter Wishes!' These are all wonderful ways to greet people. Does anyone know what 'Season's Greetings' means? Yes, it's a way to wish someone well for all the different holidays happening this time of year."

(Display Winter Greetings Slide Deck - Slide: Starting a Snowy Chat)

"Now, once we've said hello, how do we keep the conversation going? We don't want to just say 'Happy Holidays' and then stand there, right? We want to start a 'snowy chat'!"

"Here are some ideas: 'How's your winter break planning going?' 'Did you see the first snow?' 'What's your favorite holiday tradition?' These are called conversation starters. They're like little keys that unlock a chat."

(Display Winter Greetings Slide Deck - Slide: Body Talk & Best Time!)

"But words aren't the only way we talk! Our bodies 'talk' too. Who can tell me what 'body language' means? Yes, it's what your body shows without speaking."

"Two very important parts of body language are eye contact and a smile. When you're talking to someone, try to look at their eyes. It shows you're listening and interested. And a friendly smile? It makes people feel welcome and happy!"

"Another thing to think about is timing and place. Would you interrupt someone who's super busy writing a note to their parent? Why not? Right, it's not the best time. We want to wait for a moment when they can focus on our conversation. And would you try to have a chat with someone when they're running late to catch the bus? Probably not. So, we choose the best time and best place."

Practice Pairs: Snowy Chats (6 minutes)

"Alright, it's time to put these skills into practice! I want you to find a partner. You're going to take turns being the 'greeter' and the 'receiver.'"

"Here's how it works: One person will start by using a festive greeting and then a conversation starter. The other person will respond. Remember to use your body language – make eye contact and smile! And try to pick a good 'time' and 'place' in your pretend scenario."

"Let's try a few scenarios:"

• "You see your friend in the hallway during winter break."
• "You are at a holiday party."
• "You bump into a classmate at the grocery store during the holidays."

"Try to use at least two different festive greetings and two different conversation starters with your partner. I'll be walking around to listen and help!"

(Circulate and provide feedback. Encourage students to help each other with positive feedback.)

Cool-Down: One Last Snowflake (2 minutes)

"Bring it back, everyone! Great job practicing your snowy chats. It sounds like you're all ready to spread some serious holiday cheer!"

"Can one or two people share a new greeting or conversation starter they learned or tried today?"

"Wonderful! Remember, practicing these skills helps us connect with others and spread joy, especially during this special time of year. Keep practicing your festive greetings and snowy chats, and you'll make everyone's winter a little bit warmer!"

Festive Greeting Warm-Up: Winter Wonders!

"Good morning, future conversation starters! Let's kick off our class today by thinking about all the wonderful things that make winter special."

Quick Share:

1. What's one thing you LOVE about winter or the holidays? (It could be a snowy day, a special tradition, a favorite treat, or something else entirely!)
   
   
   
   

2. Imagine you see a friend you haven't seen in a while during the winter break. What's the very first thing you'd say to them to make them feel happy?
   
   
   
   

"Think about how those greetings make you and your friends feel. Today, we're going to become experts at spreading that winter cheer with our words and actions!"

Winter Chat Cool-Down: Snowflake Reflections

"Great job today, everyone! Before you head off, let's take a quick moment to reflect on our festive greeting and conversation practice."

Think & Share:

1. Write down one new festive greeting or conversation starter you learned today.
   
   
   
   

2. Why is it important to use good body language (like eye contact and a smile) when you greet someone or start a conversation?
   
   
   
   

3. How will you use these skills to spread warmth and make connections with others during the winter season?
   
   
   
   

"Remember, every friendly greeting and thoughtful question is like a little snowflake of kindness, making the world a brighter place! Keep practicing!"