Name Games
Here is the basic pattern that can be used with any number of variations . The repetition paired with body movement is a sure technique for remembering names. 8 to 12 people is a good size for a group.
a. the leader (person #1) says his or her name
b. the group repeats it
c. the person to the leaders left (person #2) then says his or her name
d. the group repeats it then goes back to the beginning of circle saying person #1’s name, person #2, then it masses on to the next person to the left (person #3)
e. person #3 says his or her name, the group repeats it
f. The group then goes back to the beginning of the circle says names of person #1, #2, #3 and then it passes on to #4. The pattern continues around the circle.
Some of these games have been adapted from Power of Hope.
——————————————————————————————————
Name game to four beat rhythm:
Begin a rhythm of slapping knees, clapping hands, snap right hand, snap left hand. Continue four beat rhythm of slap, clap, snap, snap. The leader begins by saying his/her name during the “snap,snap” part of the rhythm. The group repeats the name. Person #2 says their name, etc. and continue around the circle to the left.
——————————————————————————————————
Names and Gestures:
The leader says their name while making a gesture, the group repeats, etc.
Names, adjectives and actions
Have each person say their name preceded by an adjective starting with the same first letter as their name. While the person says their name, have them act out the adjective. i.e. Laughing Lucy, Jumping Julie…
The group shouts out the person’s name, along with the action, and then the game moves on to the next person. Repeat after each person, and continue around the circle.
——————————————————————————————————
Walk Into the Circle:
This game is not as helpful for learning names, but it’s an excellent way to relax a group and establish a fun atmosphere. Everyone stands in a circle. The leader begins by walking into the center of the circle modeling a particular walk (can be funny, straightforward, whatever). When they get to the center of the circle, they look around the circle, wave to the group and say “Hi, my name is __ .” The person then does their walk back to their place in the circle. Everyone else then mimics the person’s walk into the center of the circle. When they reach the center, they turn to the person, wave in unison and say, “Hi ___” They then return to their places in the circle. One by one, moving around the circle to the left, participants walk a special walk into the circle, say hi, return, and the group copies them.
——————————————————————————————————
Duck Duck Goose (Twisted!):
Ok this is duck duck goose. Lame? I don’t think so! Instead of saying the usual terms, duck and goose. Get them to say each person’s name as they go around the circle. When they reach the person they want to be the goose they use a fake name. The rest of the game can be adapted as well to make it more fun. Use this after you have played a preliminary name game.
——————————————————————————————————
My Name is _ and My favorite is __:
Go around a circle saying your favorite thing (tv show, root vegetable, superhero, etc.) Each person says their name and favorite thing and then the name and favorite thing of the people before them.