Name Games

It is important for everyone to learn the names of all classmates, and address one another in a friendly and personal way. The first step is learning everyone’s name.

Single Names:

• Echo each person’s name, going around a circle. On different days, add clapping of syllables, adding a movement, or changing an expressive element (long/short, high/low, fast/slow, loud/soft, vocal tone color).
• Read name cards for each class member, then point to the person. Pull these name cards out of a hat or magic box to do activities suggested aurally by the teacher or class member, such as: “walk forward four steps, turn around three times, shake someone’s hand, then come and draw the next name out of the hat.” This activity also builds listening, memory, and sequencing skills.
• Air-write the names of class members, a few each day. On other days, trace the name on a floor pathway, or write it on a partner’s back.
• For younger students: “Willoughby Wallaby Woo,” in Share the Music, Grade K.
• For older students: “Jacqueline,” from Zing, Zing, Zing, by Avon Gillespie.

Introductions, and speaking in complete sentences:

• Echo complete sentences. Each student say, “My name is _____.” The class echoes “Her/His name is _________.”
• Practice giving a firm handshake with the right hand, and say, “Hello. My name is __________. What is your name?” Discuss other things that can be said to continue a conversation, both statements about oneself, and questions of the other person.
• Around the circle, “My name is _________, and next to me is ________.”
  

Combining Names:

• Combine individual names into two name patterns. Practice adding body percussions or sounds. Combine two two-name patterns into a longer pattern. Then, in small groups, create short speech pieces with body percussion accompaniment that include the names of all group members.

Scavenger Hunt:

• Create a scavenger hunt to find class member names that have unique combinations of letters, such as
  • Two blends and a silent e at the end.
  • A one-syllable name that begins with the letter after O.
  • A name that has three consonants in a row.
  • A name with four vowels.
  • A name that has five syllables.
  • A name that rhymes with pheasant. (substitute freely)
  • A name that is the same as a movie actor.
  • A name that begins with a vowel.
  • A name that is the same as a character in a book.
  • A name that is also a location.
  • A name that is also a season.
  • A name that is the same as a flower.
  • A name that is the same as a month.
  • A name that is found in “victory.”
  • A name that is found backwards in “basil.”

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