Greetings in the Classroom

It is polite to greet a new student that joins your class. Introductions immediately follow this type of greeting.
Tips

• Say hello and exchange names.
• Exchange nationalities.
• Engage in one line of small talk (weather, surroundings, news).

Useful Phrases

• I'm from...(city or country)*
• I hear it's beautiful/hot/expensive there.
• How do you like it here?
• How long have you been here?

*Learners often say "I come from..." instead of "I'm from...". Native speakers use "come from" for things or animals, not people: The toys come from China. Milk comes from cows.

Pair Practice

A: Hello. I'm Sasha.
B: Hi Sasha. I'm Brent. (hold out hand to shake)
A: Nice to meet you Brent. Where are you from?
B: Chicago, Illinois. And you?
A: I'm from Australia. I live in a small town near Sydney.
B: Australia. Wow. I've always wanted to go there. How long have you been in Canada?
A: I just arrived this week. It's my first day of school.
B: Really? I think you'll love Vancouver. It's not too hot and not too cold.

Further Practice for Pairs

• Add a third speaker and create your own lines.
• Add an unexpected interruption (attendance being called, lesson starting).
• Write the next four lines between the two speakers.
• Write an inappropriate line and explain why it should not be part of the greeting.
• Create a new dialogue that takes place between people in a classroom setting.