Greetings in the Classroom audio icon

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

Listen and read:

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 very beautiful here.

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.