Little Words

Say & Play Greeting language

Hello Buddy, Hello You

Greeting, responding to a greeting, and choosing a social action

4 meaningful actionsgreet4 communication levelsSpeech optional

How this routine works

Buddy is waiting by the gate. Help each friend arrive and choose how to say hello. The child changes the scene through four connected actions. These are the authored prompts and models, so an adult can preview the language before play.

  1. Play action 1Buddy sees you.
    Buddy models: Hello! I can wave.
    Buddy waves back.
  2. Play action 2A friend is here.
    Buddy models: Hi! Would you like a hug?
    The friends share a gentle side hug.
  3. Play action 3Someone feels a little shy.
    Buddy models: Hello. A smile can say hi.
    The shy friend smiles and steps closer.
  4. Play action 4One last friend is hopping over.
    Buddy models: Hi, bunny! Come play.
    The bunny joins the welcome circle.

Why this interaction fits the communication goal

Primary target: Greeting, responding to a greeting, and choosing a social action

Ways to participate: Wave, tap, gesture, use AAC, approximate a greeting, or speak.

  • The scene carries the meaning. The child acts directly on the objects instead of answering flashcards over a background.
  • Models can stay short or expand. Examples include:
    • hi
    • hello
    • hi Buddy
    • hello, I am here
  • Speech is never a gate. Tapping, dragging, gesture, AAC, approximations, and spoken language can all be meaningful participation.
  • The payoff belongs to the action. Each choice changes the scene, and the routine ends with the result of what the child has been doing.

This resource supports education and guided practice. It is not an assessment, diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for individualized care from a qualified speech-language pathologist. Little Words Editorial authors and checks the interaction, language, and access behavior. Read our editorial standards.

Does a child have to speak?

No. Speech can be invited and modeled, but it is never required or scored.

How should an adult choose a model?

Use a model that fits the child’s current communication goal. When a child is receiving speech therapy, follow the target words, cues, and practice guidance from the child’s SLP.