Hello Song

About:

Mr Rogers began and ended each episode of his show with simple predictable rituals: putting on and taking off his sweater, changing his shoes.

Preparation:

Warmup Wiggles help students feel more relaxed, safe, and embodied.

Purpose of this lesson:

The 'Hello Song' is a clear, predictable ritual that informs that we have now officially started our class or group.

Teaching the Hello Song, is a way to not only teach a particular song, but to begin to set the norms and expectations of the culture of the group. These values include: respect, centeredness, participation, connection and responsibity. Students are expected to respond with a level of 'Meeting'. "Dead fish" and Beating responses will be addressed.

The structure of this song sets up a rhythm of 'Call' and 'Response'. The 'Call and Response' has a distinct rhythm to it. It is this rhythm that helps to organize the class.

Use every oppportunity to meet; on the nervous system level to engage the 'ventral vagal' system. Through through eye contact, rhythm, movement and resonant vocal tone.

Directions:

This Hello Song can be the first activity to do with a group. And it is repeat at the begining of each subsequent session.

Best to have everyone present so that each person can see each other persons face.

[dragon puppet to demonstrate what is not acceptible.]

(Sung to the tune of 'London Bridge is Falling Down') "After I say my line, you say 'Hello', and wave your hand". Model the hand wave. Alternate hands after each 'Hello'.

Call		Response
Now its time to say 'Hello'		'Hel-lo'
Say 'Hello'		'Hel-lo'
Say 'Hello'		'Hel-lo'
Now its time to say 'Hello'		'Hel-lo'
And		Clap, Clap
Start		Clap Clap
Drum ming		Clap

Notice to the quality of the contact, and silence at the end of the song. Acknowledge and celebrate this contact and silence. This is also an opportunity to Celebrate the Rules Not Broken

Glitches:

Student is not singing or moving

Give energy and recognition to those who are moving and participating.
Take over the problem. Emphasis - "What do you think about dragon not doing what he has been asked to do?"
"When its time for dragon to get some privilege do you think he has earned it?"

Student is yelling

Take Over the Problem. Have Cow puppet sing his part. Dragon puppet comes in too loud and raucous. Ask, "What do you think of Dragon's singing?" "Can you show dragon how too singing in a musical voice?"

Student is singing but with a mocking attitude

Take over the problem, have Dragon puppet mock Cow puppet. Emphasis -"How do you think Cow puppet feels?

Student is singing but can't match a pitch

Do Finding Your 'Do'.

Needs Met:

Safety- its predictable. We do it every time.
Connection- singing together is sharing a vital energy. It sets up or reinforces a group rhythm.

Neuroscience and Psycho-physiology Basis:

Singing usually involves ventral vagal regulation. There is prosody in the voice, more animated facial expression, extended out breath and rhythm. PolyVagal Theory.

Metaphor to Explore:

How do you say hello or greet people in other places?

Extensions:

Particular students or other teachers can lead the 'Hello Song'.
Write a new 'Hello Song'.