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by Rynette R. Kjesbo, M.S., CCC-SLP
Why Are Greetings Important?
When someone says “hello” to you, you probably don’t hesitate to respond with a
greeting of your own. “Hello” and “goodbye” are more than polite words. These greetings
are one of the basic functions of communication. These words help us connect with
other people. When we say “hello” to another person, it opens the door for communication.
Saying “goodbye” signals that the conversation is at an end for the time being.
A friendly goodbye sets the stage for having another conversation with the other
person the next time you meet.
Why Teach Greetings?
Children may find it difficult to use greetings. Some children with autism, children
with delayed language skills, and even children who are typicallydeveloping may
have difficulty saying “hello” and “goodbye” to other people. Using greetings is
an important part in the process of interacting with others to form and maintain
friendships.
Tips to Encourage Children to Use Greetings
In order to become better at using greetings, children who have difficulty with
this social skill should practice. Here are some tips you can use to help your children
learn how to use greetings:
- Teach Greetings – Teach your children that when they
meet someone they know, they should tell that person “Hello.” When they leave someone, they
should say “Goodbye.” Talk to them about the various ways to say “hello” and “goodbye”
(for example, “Hi.” “Hey.” “See you later.” and “Bye.”).
- Be an Example – Model the correct way to use greetings
for your children. Greet people you know when you meet them and use appropriate
parting comments when you leave.
- Pretend Play – Create a pretend situation where you
and your children practice using greetings during play. For example, pretend you
are a customer in your children’s store or pretend you are talking on the phone
with your children.
- Use Visual Supports – Use pictures that represent “hello”
and “goodbye” to help cue, or remind, your children of the greetings they are to
use in different situations. Have one drawing or photo signifying “hello,” and have
another drawing or photo that represents “goodbye.”
- Read a Book – Read books with your children that deal
with the subject of using greetings, such as Say Hello by Jack & Michael Foreman,
Hello! Good-bye! by Aliki, or Oh No! Time to Go! A Book of Goodbyes by Rebecca Doughty.
- Sing a Song – Use music as a great motivator to help
your children learn social skills. There are many songs available that talk about
using greetings. One example is People Like it When I Say Hi by Cathy Bollinger.
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