The Name Games

Name games are great back to school icebreakers. These games include some aerobic and skill benefits as well.

Equipment: None for Game 1; One ball for every three to four students for Game 2; Two small index cards per student for Game 3.

The games:

• Name Game 1: Begin with students standing in personal space. Ask them to skip or gallop throughout general space. On the go signal (music works great), each person attempts to tag anyone else. If tagged, that student must tell the tagger his or her name and one game or activity they like to play. No one may be tagged while they are taling to each other. At the end of the game, see how many names the students can remember and the activity mentioned.
• Name Game 2: Divide the students into groups of three or four. Give each group one ball that can be tossed or bounced. Each group finds some space to work in. On the go signal (music is wonderful as in the Game Hot Potato), they pass the ball to each other. They must say the person's name before passing the ball. Each time they say a name and that person catches the ball, both the tosser and the catcher receive one point. On the stop signal the person with the ball moves to a new group. Points continue to accumulate with each new group. Alternatively, you can start them at zero with each group change. At the end of the game, the students should know everyone's name. You may ask them how many points they have, but it is not absolutely necessary. Many will likely lose count.
• Name Game 3: Grades 2 and up. Have the students write their names on two index cards. Collect the cards. Mix them up. Give out one card to each student. If they get their own name, they give it back. The students find personal space. On the go signal, they attempt to tag the student whose card they have (skipping or galloping only). In the meantime, that student will be attempting to tag someone else. If a successful tag is made, find out one fact about that student. No one may be tagged while two students are talking. Discuss the kinds of information one may acquire before playing the game. For example: number of brothers or sisters, what they did on vacation, favorite food, movie, book, show, etc. After gathering this information, return the card to the bottom of the pile, and pick the top card on the pile. If you get the same person, get some other information. If you get your own card, place it on the bottom and pick the next card. At the end of the game, compare information.