Building a classroom community starts by getting to know your students, and this starts with everyone learning each other's names! Middle School is hard, but learning names don’t need to be. In the first weeks back at school, name activities are a fun way to get to know your students and create a safe space to learn.
Here are 20 school activities for Middle School students that will get everyone familiar quickly.
1. Names but make it Art
Use a blank template and cardstock paper to print out your student names prior to the first day of class. Middle School students can use their favorite colors and designs to display their personal identities and you can then segway into a chat about classroom supplies. Use this as classroom wall decor and it’s a win-win for both teacher and student.
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2. My Name Map and Me
All you need for this school activity is a piece of paper and writing utensils. Allowing students to share their identities through art will strengthen the classroom climate and make them feel connected.
Learn More: Teach With Me
3. Name Tent
The first day of school can be daunting, but the first day of school activities doesn’t have to be. Use these fun templates for your students' names and for them to share a bit more about themselves. Display these on their desks as a way to start remembering names!
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
4. Attendance Game
Use these free question prompts in addition to calling student names for attendance. It will make this necessary task way less boring and give you an opportunity to get to know your students.
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5. Story of my Name
A creative way to get to know your students and what’s important to them, this activity uses the book “The Name Jar” by Yangsook Choi. Students place any name of their choosing into a jar and this leads to an array of activities connected to this story. The creator of the activity does stress that knowing a bit about your students prior to this is important to avoid any uncomfortable or emotionally harmful situations for students.
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6. Paper Bag Introductions
Write your name on a paper bag and collect 5 items that represent who you are! Use these to introduce yourself to your class and then have them do the activity themselves. This is a great way to learn and remember names.
Learn More: A Grace-Filled Classroom
7. All About my Selfie
Get the right side of their brains working with this artistic activity. Students can introduce themselves through pictures that they can hang up around the room. This is a great opportunity for student-made artwork for classroom wall decor and a daily reminder of names!
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
8. The Pool Noodle Name Game
This is no basic name game. The Pool Noodle Name Game puts a verbal twist on the classic game of “It.” Make sure to remember your classmates' names or you might be “It” next!
Learn More: The Art of Education
9. First Day of School Name Game
This name game is a test of listening skills and can be a good indicator of who will listen to classroom instruction. It’s a classic repetition game that will challenge your students. Surprise them the following day with a prize to whoever remembers everyone’s name.
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10. Name Games for the Music Classroom
This resource has a collection of name games for music in different grade levels. Some chants require movement utilizing students' gross motor skills and coordination. These activities keep students active and interested.
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11. Remember All the Names on Day One
Interesting facts will set students apart! In this name game, each student has to come up with an interesting fact about themselves which will help people associate the fact with the name of the student.
Learn More: Lindsay Bowden
12. Names for the English Classroom
Another artistic way for students to display their names and interests in the class. Middle School students will love having the opportunity to use their favorite colors and create big-name art which they can fill in with words that explain their identities.
Learn More: I Want To Be A Superteacher
13. A Different Take on the Name Game for English Class
This activity will really appeal to the introverted students in your class. Group work means students feel less pressure than they would in a larger class activity. They still learn names throughout the station work but it is way less scary!
Learn More: Youtube
14. First Week of School Name Tent
This resource gives you a free document template to create a fun and informative name tent. Sometimes these simple activities are a great way to give students some quiet time during what could be a difficult transition period for them.
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15. Name Activity- Digital Option
This google slides activity will have you prepared for any potential quarantines or hybrid situations. It’s an interactive resource that will allow students to get to know each other even if from afar.
Learn More: Mrs. Beers
16. Name Tag Stem Challenge
This resource was created for younger students but would still work really well with Middle School students. Students have to follow directions carefully to create their name tags but this is also a secret way to assess student learning styles and determine who gets frustrated easily.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
17. Finding the Angles of Your Name
A perfect name activity for Middle School Math class. Students will get familiar with using a protractor and it will give you the opportunity to keep repeating their names!
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
18. Names and Feelings: Communication Activity
This downloadable template is great for use in the ESL or Spanish Language Acquisition classroom. Students ask classmates for their names and feelings which provides an opportunity for them to get to know each other.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
19. Speed Dating Activity
Available in both Spanish and English, this activity is a super fun option to get students talking and learning each other's names. There are multiple elements to this resource including a worksheet and detailed instructions which are all available on Google Slides.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
20. The Best Game
If you don’t remember the person, your probably not going to remember their name. This team-building activity gives students the opportunity to get to know each other and have some fun. They will be more likely to remember classmates' names after participating in this game.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
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