Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before the lesson, arrange the classroom for easy circle time interaction. Gather a soft ball or talking stick and optional name tags for each child. The central idea is to help pupils feel a sense of belonging by learning each other’s names and practising the social skill of taking turns. Observe if pupils can clearly state their own name and listen when others introduce themselves.
Class: Pre-School Level 3
Term: First Term
Week: 2
Age: 4 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Personal Development
Curriculum Theme: Personal Development
Previous Lesson: Recognising and greeting familiar adults
Topic: LEARNING CLASSMATES’ NAMES AND TAKING TURNS TO INTRODUCE YOURSELF
Subject Matter: WELCOMING AND GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER. Weekly focus: Learning Classmates’ Names and Taking Turns to Introduce Yourself.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- State their own name clearly.
- Identify and recall the names of at least three classmates.
Affective Domain
- Show willingness to introduce themselves to classmates.
- Enjoy participating in name games and songs.
Psychomotor Domain
- Take turns holding an object (like a ball) when speaking.
- Point to a classmate when saying their name.
Social Domain
- Greet classmates politely using their names.
- Listen respectfully when others are speaking.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 3
- Relevant Early Childhood Care and Education resources
Instructional Materials
- Charts with phrases like “My name is…”
- Pictures of children introducing themselves
- Name tags (optional)
- A soft ball or talking stick
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson is important for 4-year-olds as it builds foundational social skills. Learning classmates’ names fosters a sense of belonging and helps children interact positively, while taking turns teaches respectful communication and patience, essential for group activities and friendships.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils can recognise their teachers and some familiar adults. They can also say “Hello” and “Good morning.”
Lesson Content/Board Summary
LEARNING CLASSMATES’ NAMES AND TAKING TURNS TO INTRODUCE YOURSELF
Knowing our classmates’ names helps us to be good friends and play together nicely. It makes everyone feel happy and welcome in the classroom.
When we meet someone new, or want to say hello to a friend, we can say:
- “Hello, my name is [Your Name].”
- We can also ask them: “What is your name?”
It is very important to take turns when talking so that everyone gets a chance to speak and we can listen carefully to what each person is saying. This helps us learn and understand each other.
Key Words
- Name: What someone is called.
- Hello: A friendly way to greet someone.
- Turn: Waiting for your chance to speak or do something.
- Listen: To hear carefully what someone is saying.
Hello, My Name Is… Song
Tune: “Are You Sleeping, Brother John?”
Lyrics:
Hello, hello, what’s your name?
What’s your name, what’s your name?
My name is [Teacher’s Name],
It’s nice to meet you!
Actions: Wave hello, point to self when saying name, shake hands with a neighbour.
Watch and Practise Introductions
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Begin by gathering pupils in a circle. Explain in simple terms why knowing names is important for friendship and playing. Use the charts to show the phrases “My name is…” and “What is your name?” and have pupils repeat them clearly.
What to show or demonstrate: Demonstrate how to introduce yourself by saying “Hello, my name is [your name]” and then asking a pupil “What is your name?” Model taking turns by using a soft ball or talking stick; only the person holding the object speaks. Show pictures of children greeting each other to reinforce the idea.
How to use the rhyme/song: Introduce the “Hello, My Name Is…” song. Sing it slowly first, demonstrating the actions (waving, pointing to self, shaking hands). Sing it a few times, replacing “[Teacher’s Name]” with pupils’ names as they introduce themselves, encouraging them to join in the actions and singing.
How to use the video: Introduce the video as a fun way to learn more about introductions. Play the “Hello! What’s Your Name?” video. Encourage pupils to sing along and mimic the actions shown in the video. After watching, facilitate a quick discussion about what they saw and heard, reinforcing the phrases and actions.
What to watch for: Observe if pupils are shy or hesitant to speak their names. Provide gentle encouragement and support. Ensure all pupils get a chance to speak and that others are listening when it’s not their turn. Correct pronunciation of names gently and clearly.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
- Play-based Learning
- Demonstration
- Guided Practice
- Songs and Rhymes
- Role-play
- Question and Answer
- Repetition
- Manipulation of Objects
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engagement/Greeting
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils warmly and leads a familiar “Good Morning” song. The teacher then asks, “Who can tell me their name today?”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the greeting and sing along. Some pupils may volunteer to say their names.
Learning Point: Pupils are settled and ready to learn, beginning to recall their own names.
Step 2: Presentation (Importance of Names)
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Picture Talk
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows pictures of children greeting each other and asks, “Why is it good to know our friends’ names?” The teacher explains that knowing names helps us play and be kind to each other.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the pictures, offer simple answers, and listen to the teacher’s explanation.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the importance of knowing names for social interaction.
Step 3: Demonstration (How to Introduce Yourself)
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Modelling/Instruction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher models how to introduce oneself: “Hello, my name is Miss/Mr. [Teacher’s Name].” The teacher then points to a chart with “My name is…” written on it and asks pupils to repeat the phrase.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration and repeat the phrase “My name is…” after the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the correct phrase for introducing themselves.
Step 4: Guided Practice (Pupils Introduce Themselves)
Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Facilitation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher passes a soft ball or talking stick around the circle. When a pupil holds it, the teacher prompts them to say, “My name is [their name].” The teacher gently corrects and encourages.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils take turns holding the ball/stick and saying their names, practising the phrase “My name is…”
Learning Point: Pupils gain confidence in stating their own names and taking turns.
Step 5: Reinforcement (Rhyme/Song)
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Singing/Movement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads the class in singing the “Hello, My Name Is…” song, demonstrating the actions (waving, pointing, shaking hands). The teacher encourages pupils to sing along and use the actions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sing the song with the teacher and perform the actions, reinforcing the concept of introductions.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce learning through song and movement, making it memorable.
Step 6: Application (Video and Name Game)
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Media Integration/Game Facilitation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher plays the “Hello! What’s Your Name?” video. After the video, the teacher initiates a simple name game, e.g., “Pass the ball and say your name, then ask ‘What is your name?’ to the person you pass it to.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the video, sing along, and actively participate in the name game, practising introductions and asking names.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their learning in a fun, interactive way, practising both saying and asking names.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 4–5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher checks pupils’ understanding through short questions and practical tasks.
- What is your name?
- Can you say “Hello, my name is…”?
- Who can tell me the name of the friend sitting next to them?
- Demonstrate taking turns when speaking (e.g., using the ball).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally and demonstrate the required skill where appropriate.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarisation/Praise
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises pupils for their effort in learning names and taking turns. The teacher reminds them to use their friends’ names when playing and talking.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the teacher’s concluding remarks and feel encouraged.
Learning Point: Pupils are encouraged to continue practising the learned social skills.
Lesson Keywords
- Name – What someone is called.
- Hello – A friendly greeting.
- Turn – Waiting for your chance to speak or do something.
- Listen – To hear carefully what someone is saying.
Differentiation
- Support: For shy or struggling pupils, the teacher can provide name tags to help them remember. The teacher can prompt them gently, or allow a peer to introduce them first. Extra repetition of their name can be provided.
- Extension: For pupils who quickly grasp the concept, encourage them to try and remember the names of more classmates. They can be asked to introduce two friends to each other or to say “Nice to meet you” after an introduction.
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