This activity helps preschool children get to know each other's names and helps new teachers learn the names of everyone in the group. Place the children's name cards next to you and look at each name in turn. Sit in a circle with the children and teach them a simple rhyme (to the tune of "Frere Jacques"). For example: "Where is...Jenny? Where is...Jenny? Put up your hand! Put up your hand! Say hello to Jenny...Say hello to Jenny...How are you? How are you?" Encourage Jenny to put up her hand and ask the children to wave to her when they sing, "Say hello to Jenny." New teachers greet the named child by shaking his or hand when they sing, "How are you?"
Familiar preschool activities such as snack time give opportunities for preschool children to learn and practice saying the names of their new teachers. For example, new teachers can prepare healthy snacks, such as pieces of fruit, and offer them to the children. Each child chooses a snack and then says, "Thank you..." followed by the teacher's name. New teachers help themselves remember each child's by replying, "You're welcome..." followed by the child's name. This activity also helps preschool children learn and practice good manners, social skills and polite behavior.
In her book, "A Survival Guide for the Preschool Teacher," Jean R. Feldman, PhD. recommends that teachers encourage preschool children to "use words to express their feelings." Preschool children often express their feelings more readily to a puppet than to unfamiliar adults, such as new teachers, therefore a friendly-looking puppet is useful to new teachers who want to get to know the children's personalities and preferences. The puppet asks each child a question, such as, "What's your favorite ice cream?" or "What's your favorite toy?" New teachers then encourage preschool children to ask the puppet about its favorite things, thereby practicing their speaking, questioning and social skills.