The Name Game
By Caroline Wyman
Objective: The children will be able to learn their classmates names on the first day of school by playing a fun beginning sounds game. Grades k-2
Initiation: Explain that this game is a way to get to know each others names by listening to sounds and using your memory.
Development: The class will sit in a circle on the floor and the teacher will begin by saying that we will begin with the person to the right of the teacher and they will say their name and then have to come up with a food that has the same beginning sound. The next person goes, but first repeats what the first student said and then tells their name and a food. For example, "my name is Caroline and I like cookies", next person will say "her name is Caroline and she likes cookies, and My name is David and I like Doritos" next person repeats the last two and then his/her name with a food and so on. The last person will have to remember everyone's name. It is ok to help each other. This will also give the teacher an opportunity to see who is shy, finds it hard to hear beginning sounds, knows all of their sounds and so on. It also gives the students a way to get to know each other in a fun and relaxed environment.
Closure: "What a great memory everyone has, and now we all know what you like to eat too!" Let's try to remember each others name through out the day today.
Time: 20-30 minutes
Caroline Wyman has a degree in Sociology and a Masters in Elementary Education and is the administrator for TeacherNet.com.