Adapted from Engaging Schools
Time: 5-7 minutes (depending on the number of people)
Overview: Participants stand in a circle and interact to learn each other’s names and activities they enjoy.
When and Why: Use “Name and Motion” when a new group is coming together. It will help participants learn names and get to know a little bit about one another—a great way to begin building relationships.
SEL Focus: This activity helps develop the Self-Awareness skill Recognizing Strengths as participants identify an activity they enjoy, and the Social Awareness skill Appreciating Diversity as they learn more about one another’s interests and talents.
Steps:
1. Explain that our purpose is to learn names and get to know more about one another.
2. Invite the group to form a circle.
3. Offer instructions:
• Participants will take turns saying their own name while making a motion that represents something they enjoy doing.
• Each participant in turn will repeat the names and gestures of those who have gone before, and then will add their own name and gesture.
4. Model with your name and motion, e.g., "I'm Sara and I like to play basketball.” (Pretend to throw a ball towards a hoop.)
5. Check for understanding, then ask the person to your right to begin. Model by repeating their name and demonstrating their motion. 6. If someone can't remember a name or motion, invite them to ask someone in the circle for help and to thank that person for their assistance.
Debrief by asking one or more of these questions:
• “Why it is important to know each other’s names?”
• “What was it like to for you to participate in this?”
• “Were there any surprises?”
• “What's something you had in common with someone?”
• “What is something several people in the group had in common?”
Modifications and Variations: Instead of using a gesture, say the name of the activity. This may be a modification for individuals for whom gestures are challenging or as a variation for a fresh approach when the activity is repeated another day.