🧩 Common Expressions Used in Nursery Schools by Educators 🧸

🌞 Morning Arrival / Greeting Time

Expression	When it’s Used / Purpose
“Good morning, sunshine!”	To greet each child warmly at arrival.
“Look who’s here today!”	To show joy and make the child feel seen.
“Let’s hang up your bag together.”	To help the child settle and start the morning routine.
“wakey wakey, time to get up!”	Cheerful morning greeting or used after nap time.
“Give me your big smile!”	To start the day with a positive emotional tone.

🪞 Personal Care / Hygiene Routines

Expression	When it’s Used / Purpose
“Let’s wash those little hands!”	Before meals or after play.
“Rub-a-dub-dub, scrub those hands in the tub!”	To make handwashing fun.
“All clean and shiny!”	To praise good hygiene.
“Let’s change your nappy / diaper, sweetheart.”	To comfort during a change routine.
“Tickle toes!”	Gentle play during dressing or changing to keep the child relaxed.

 

🪑 Gathering and Transitions

Expression	When it’s Used / Purpose
“1, 2, 3, eyes on me!” → children answer: “1, 2, eyes on you!”	Classic attention-getter to refocus a group.
“Everybody, hands on knees.”	To help children settle down before starting a group activity.
“Let’s make a circle!”	To prepare for circle time or group sharing.
“Walking feet, please.”	To remind children to move safely indoors.
“Let’s use our quiet voices.”	To calm the environment after active play.
“Freeze like a statue!”	To quickly get children to stop and pay attention in a playful way.

🎯 Attention-Getters and Focus Phrases (When Explaining Something)

Expression	When it’s Used / Purpose
“Are you ready? Show me your listening ears.” (or gesture to ears)	To prepare children before explaining.
“Eyes on me, friends.”	To bring visual attention to the teacher.
“Let’s turn on our thinking caps!”	To signal it’s time to concentrate and learn.
“Criss-cross, applesauce!” (sit down cross-legged)	To help children get ready to listen on the carpet.
“Hands up if you can hear my voice.”	To quietly regain attention without shouting.
“If you can hear me, touch your nose.”	Attention game to reengage distracted children.
“Listening ears, quiet mouths, looking eyes.”	To remind children of good listening habits.
“Show me your sitting spot.”	To help children find and stay in their designated space.
“Let’s see who’s ready to learn.”	Encourages self-regulation and focus positively.
“I’ll wait until everyone is ready.”	A calm, respectful reminder that helps children self-correct.
“Let’s focus our eyes and brains.”	To transition from movement to attention.
“It’s my turn to talk, your turn to listen.”	To teach turn-taking in communication.

 

🎵 Songs, Play and Learning Moments

Expression	When it’s Used / Purpose
“Let’s sing our good morning song!”	To begin circle time or start the day’s session.
“Can you clap with me?”	To include everyone in rhythm and movement.
“Peek-a-boo! I see you!”	To connect playfully with babies or shy toddlers.
“Good job!” / “Well done!”	To encourage and celebrate effort.
“Let’s count together—one, two, three!”	During number games or songs.

🧃 Meal and Snack Time

Expression	When it’s Used / Purpose
“Yummy in your tummy!”	To make eating fun.
“Let’s sit nicely at the table.”	To set meal-time expectations.
“Would you like a little more?”	To offer food politely.
“Take a little bite.”	To encourage hesitant eaters.
“All done? Say ‘thank you!’”	To model polite language.

👋 Goodbye Time / Home Time

Expression	When it’s Used / Purpose
“Look who’s here to pick you up!”	To signal that home time is near.
“Did you have fun today?”	To close the day positively.
“See you tomorrow, my friend!”	To build routine and consistency.
“Big hug before you go!”	Warm closure to the day.

 

❤️ Emotion Coaching and Behaviour Support

Expression	When it’s Used / Purpose
“It’s okay to feel sad. I’m here.”	To support emotional regulation.
“Let’s use gentle hands.”	To encourage kindness and safety.
“You’re feeling upset—let’s take a deep breath.”	To help children manage strong emotions.
“I like how you’re sharing.”	To reinforce positive actions.
“Let’s try that again.”	To correct behaviour while maintaining encouragement.