Bring out a stuffed animal (e.g., "Barnaby Bear") who is hiding behind your back or looking very shyly at the floor.

Teacher/Parent Talking Points (Ages 5-friendly):
"Look who is here! This is Barnaby. Barnaby wants to play with us today, but look at him... he is hiding behind me and looking at his toes. He feels a little shy because he doesn't know how to say hello to you! Have you ever felt a little shy when meeting someone new? It is totally okay! Today, we are going to learn some super-cool magic words so we can make new friends anytime, anywhere!"

Step A: I Do (The Teacher/Parent Models)

Show the child the Friendly Steps visual cards one by one:

1. Eyes and Smile: Look at the person and smile!
2. The Hello Wave: Hand wave.
3. The Magic Words: "Hello, my name is _________. What is your name?"

Say this to the child:
"Watch me first! I am going to pretend Barnaby Bear is a brand new kid at the playground. I will look at him, smile, wave, and say: 'Hello! My name is [Your Name]. What is your name?'" (Do this with high energy, looking directly at the puppet).

Step B: We Do (Guided Practice Together)

Activity 1: The Mirror Warm-Up (2 mins)

Give the child a mirror. "Let's practice our friendly smiles together in the mirror! Show me your 'Happy to meet you' face! Now let's practice a friendly wave."

Activity 2: The Name-Roll Ball Game (5 mins)

Sit on the floor opposite the child.
Instructions: "I am going to roll this ball to you. When you catch it, you say: 'Hello! My name is [Child's Name]!' and roll it back to me. When I catch it, I'll say: 'Hello! My name is [Teacher's Name]!' Ready? Let's go!"
Do this 3-4 times to build muscle memory of the expression.

Activity 3: Helping Barnaby Bear (5 mins)

Pick up the shy puppet. "Barnaby wants to try now! But he's still a little scared. Can we do it *together* to show him how? On the count of three, let's both say it to Barnaby: 1, 2, 3... 'Hello! My name is [Names]!'"
Make the puppet dance and squeak: "Hello! My name is Barnaby! Nice to meet you!"

Step C: You Do (Independent Practice)

The Toy Playground Party!

Set up 2 or 3 of the child's favorite toys in different spots in the room.

The Mission: "You are walking through the park and you see these three toys. Your job is to go up to each toy, one by one, and introduce yourself all by yourself! I will watch you use your 3 friendly steps (Smile/Wave, Say your name, and ask theirs or say 'Nice to meet you!')."

(The teacher/parent acts as the voice for the toys, responding in funny voices when the child successfully introduces themselves).

Bring the child back to the main learning area. Have them wear their custom-decorated nametag sticker.

Teacher/Parent Talking Points:
"You did an amazing job today! You showed Barnaby Bear exactly how to make friends. Let's remember our 3 magic steps. Can you show me the actions as we say them?"

• 😀 Step 1: Look and... (Wait for child to say: "Smile!")
• 👋 Step 2: Wave and say... (Wait for child to say: "Hello!")
• 🗣️ Step 3: Share your magic words... (Wait for child to say: "My name is [Name]! Nice to meet you!")

Give the child a high-five or a "Friendly-Handshake" to celebrate!

Formative Assessment Checklist

Adaptability & Differentiation

• If the child is struggling (Scaffolding): Use the physical "Friendly Steps" cards as a visual map. Hold up the mouth icon when it is time for them to speak. Keep it simple: just "Hi, I'm [Name]" is a wonderful starting point!
• If the child needs a challenge (Extension): Teach them the art of the gentle handshake (not too tight, not too wiggly!) or have them practice introducing *someone else* (e.g., "This is my mom, her name is Mom!").