My Real English Warm-Up Routine: 6 Fun & Quick Ideas for Preschool & Primary Kids

Start your English lesson with energy, smiles, and movement! These 4 mini warm-ups are tried-and-tested in my classroom, using Leopold, Bubblegum, stickers, songs, and playful routines. They’re simple, engaging, and perfect for preschoolers and primary students.

1️⃣ Hello Jingle 🎵

Duration: ~1 minute

Every day begins with our Hello Song. Children sing along, wave, clap, and stamp their feet. This instantly creates a fun atmosphere and grabs attention.

Why it works: Music + movement = engagement from the first second!

Here is the song: "Hello, Hello Jingle!"

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2️⃣ Sticker Check-In 🟡

Duration: 1–2 minutes

Children choose a sticker ("Which sticker do you want?" and then "Which colour do you want?") to place on their personal chart. They share a word or short sentence about their homework:

• “My favourite animal is a snake!”

• “I drew a lion!”

Why it works: Encourages speaking, sharing, and builds routine while using familiar materials.

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3️⃣ Leopold’s Camera 📸

Duration: 1–2 minutes

Introduce Leopold! Say:
“Leopold wants you to see his world today — here are body parts on Bubblegum!”

Why it works: Adds playfulness, imagination, and interactive engagement.

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4️⃣ Quick Vocab 🗣️

Duration: ~1 minute

Recap yesterday’s or recently learned words in a fun way:

• Say words while children clap, point, or act them out: sun ☀️, run 🏃, clap 👏

Why it works: Reinforces vocabulary quickly and physically. For more ideas check out my other blog entry about fun ways to use flashcards!

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How to Use These Warm-Ups

• Time: Each warm-up lasts 1–2 minutes, perfect for a 5–7 minute total routine.

• Materials: Stickers, small drawings, Leopold toy or image, basic song knowledge — already in your class, minimal extra prep.

• Routine Tip: Start every lesson the same way to build familiarity and engagement.