A high-quality hello song (that is executed well) can set the tone for the rest of your music experience with kids.
Both hello and goodbye songs serve as a valuable opportunity to foster connection, build engagement, and support emotional development.
There are a couple other reasons why I love hello and goodbye songs during music time:
1. Hello and goodbye songs play a vital role in creating a routine and providing a sense of organization, consistency, and predictability
Hello and goodbye songs play a vital role in creating a structured routine and providing a sense of organization within the classroom. In their simplicity, these songs become predictable markers of the beginning and end of music time. They help young learners understand the sequence of events and develop a sense of how time is passing. The consistency and order provided by hello and goodbye songs cultivate an environment of safety and predictability.
2. They provide opportunities for developing language and communication skills
Through repetition and rhythm, children hear and engage with words, phrases, and melodies. They learn to recognize the cadence and rhythm of language. Singing also allows children to practice pronunciation, and expand their vocabulary.
3- Hello songs can help children experience a sense of belonging and togetherness that builds trust and lays the foundation for relationships to flourish
Hello songs provide a warm and inviting atmosphere, transforming a space (classroom, therapy area, etc.) into a place where everyone is acknowledged and welcomed. This sense of togetherness builds trust and lays the foundation for positive relationships to flourish throughout the day and beyond.
4- Goodbye songs can be a powerful tool for emotional regulation by easing the transition from music time to another activity/class
Transitions can be challenging for young children. Goodbye songs create a predictable routine and provide closure, leading to a smoother transition and a sense of emotional security as children embark on their day.
Now, on to the songs!
Hello Songs and Goodbye Songs Your Students Will Love
Hello Songs
Say Hello
Say Hello (from your head to your toes) incorporates a lot of structured movement and also provides a "boogie break", which is the perfect opportunity for kids to engage in creative movement.
It’s Time For Music
It’s Time For Music is a high energy welcome song for music class that is interactive, expressive and really fun.
Hey Everybody
Hey Everybody is a hello song that includes movement and simple instructions. Tip: If you’re having a hard time capturing attention, try an unusual and/or difficult movement like “wiggle your eyebrows.” That can pull in attention because it’s novel and a little bit hard!
Goodbye Songs
Get Outta Here
Get Outta Here is a funny goodbye song for elementary music.
B-Y-E is a lower energy goodbye song for kids 0-8.
Even More Hello & Goodbye Songs (FREE Download!)
Download our songbook of 14 hello and goodbye songs that include the leadsheets (chords & lyrics) and videos with some implementation ideas!
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