Let's Say Hello ESL lesson thumbnail
Book 0B · Unit 1Starter · Ages 4–6✓ Free preview

Let's Say Hello

This greetings ESL lesson teaches preschool learners to say hello and goodbye confidently. Children sing, trace the key words and practise greeting a partner by name. They review with matching and hand-tracing activities before playing a passing-ball circle game with friendly spoken greetings.

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Lesson format

2 × 45 minutes

Level

Starter

Age group

Ages 4–6

Main focus

Speaking first

What students will learn

• Learn to say 'Hello' and 'Goodbye'
• Recognise the words Hello and Goodbye in print
• Practise greetings in pairs
• Trace and match greeting words
• Build listening skills through songs
• Practise turn-taking in a group game

Lesson flow

Children are greeted individually and sing along to a Hello song, then repeat 'Hello' and 'Goodbye' from picture slides before tracing the words on a worksheet and greeting a partner. The second lesson reviews the words through a matching worksheet, a hand-tracing activity, and a circle passing-game where whoever holds the ball says 'Hello' or 'Goodbye' to a friend.

Target language

  • • 'Hello' / 'Goodbye'
  • • Greeting phrases
  • • Simple imperative instructions
  • • Yes/No responses

Key vocabulary

  • hello
  • hi
  • goodbye
  • bye
  • good morning
  • good night
  • wave
  • greet
  • nice to meet you

Speaking questions students answer

  • • How do you say hello?
  • • How do you say goodbye?
  • • Can you greet a friend?
  • • What do we say when we meet someone?
  • • What do we say when we leave?

Recommended teaching contexts

• Starter ESL and EFL classes• Ages 4–6• Primary school classrooms• Language schools• Private and small-group lessons• Teaching greetings vocabulary• Pair and whole-class speaking• Interactive whiteboards and online teaching

Why this lesson works

The lesson follows a clear progression: Sing and greet with 'Hello' and 'Goodbye', trace and match the words Hello/Goodbye, play a passing-ball greeting game. Teachers can open the materials and start immediately, while students move from supported vocabulary practice to purposeful spoken English.

This lesson includes

• Interactive lesson slides
• Teacher guide
• Printable worksheets
• Speaking practice: "How do you say hello?"
• Classroom games
• Videos
• Vocabulary practice
• Pair work
• Extension activities

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