For Back to School, we are sharing games that develop school readiness skills. This week's game develops the social skill of introductions with a handshake and looking into each other's eyes. The Game of the Week is Hi, My Name Is…! (Hint for more fun–even for older kids–introduce the circle game variation)
Group Size: Any size
Age Group: Pre K – Grade 5
Length of Activity: 10 minutes or more
Developmental Goal: To learn everyone's name and increase social comfort.
Equipment: None
Before You Start:
- Gather the group in a contained area. If played outside, lay out clear boundaries.
- Demonstrate the greetings with a volunteer.
- Make sure everyone can repeat back to you greetings.
How To Play:
- At a given signal everyone goes around introducing themselves to one another. Students go up to each other and they shake hands. Four exchanges happen while shaking hands:
- The first person says, “Hi, my name is _________.”
- The second person says, “Hi, my name is _____________”
- The first person says, “Nice to meet you.” The second person repeats this back to his partner.
- The first person says, “See you later.” The second person says something similar in response, “See ya!” or “Bye!”
- Once that four-part exchange happens, the partners split up and find someone else to introduce themselves to.
- Players go around trying to meet as many other players as possible in one minute.
Variations:
- Play in a circle, similar to Duck Duck Goose:
- One player walks around the circle tapping each person's head lightly saying "Who are". They pick another player by tapping that person lightly on the head and say "you."
- Both people stand up and run around the circle opposite directions. (The person who was up continues the same direction. The other player runs the opposite direction.)
- When the players meet, they must introduce themselves while shaking hands in the same manner as above.
- The first person says, “Hi, my name is _________.”
- The second person says, “Hi, my name is _____________”
- The first person says, “Nice to meet you.” The second person repeats this back to his partner.
- The first person says, “See you later.” The second person says something similar in response, “See ya!” or “Bye!”
- Once they have completed this, they run back (turning back the opposite direction) around the circle and attempt to sit in the empty spot first.
- Whoever remains standing continues the next round.
- If there is a tie, play Rock Paper Scissors.
- If a player remains standing three times, pick a new player to stand up.
- Students can use signals or sign language to develop nonverbal communication.
Find more new and exciting games in our games library!
Love implementing Game of the Week? Playworks Trainers are equipped with oodles of tools and tips to help you get a recess and play program going today. Check out our professional development programs and bring Playworks to your school or afterschool program.
