What "Hello Songs" Do You Use for PS and K?

Recently, I was asked about my favorite “Hello” songs to welcome our youngest students to music class. These simple songs set a positive tone for the day, help students feel included, and make transitions smoother. Below are a few of my go-to favorites that always bring smiles and participation.

1. “Hello Hello” – Super Simple Songs

This song works beautifully as a call-and-response activity. The lyrics are simple, and the actions are suitable for preschool and kindergarten children. I love how easily you can adapt the movements—adding new ones or switching them up to fit your class routines or themes. The song can be found here:

2. “Hello Everybody” – Music Together

This is one of my favorites because it includes every child by name. Once the students know the song, we sing it in a circle: one student sings to their neighbor, who then passes it on to the next, and so on. It’s a wonderful way to build classroom community and help students learn each other’s names.

3. “Hello There” – Traditional (featured in Music and You and Spotlight on Music)

This classic call-and-response song is a long-time favorite from traditional music textbooks. It’s perfect for welcoming students at the start of class or as an opening number at a concert or informance. Its friendly tone and clear echoing phrases make it a great confidence booster for young singers.

4. "Hello Hello How Do You Do?" - Traditional (featured in Music and You)

This is another song I used to have the students perform gross motor skill movements during the Hello Song. I could not find a recording of this nowadays, but here are the lyrics:

Hello, hello, how do you do? How do you do? How do you do? Hello, hello, how do you do? How do you do today? If you're wearing green, stand up. If you're wearing green, stand up. Can you jump jump jump up and down, jump jump jump up and down, jump jump jump up and down, and jump up and down today.

5. “Say Hello” – Stephanie Leavell

Stephanie Leavell’s “Say Hello” combines greeting with movement in a joyful way. My students light up every time they hear this one—it’s a great way to energize the class and get everyone moving right from the start.

What is your favorite Hello Song?