Playing name games can be super helpful as you develop your learners’ name-recall skills. You’ll fill their lessons with loads of fun as they learn interesting things about their classmates, craft interactive games, and design personalized artwork. This collection of fun-filled name games and activities provides you with versatile ways to introduce them to their peers as they begin to associate their names with what makes them unique. It’s sure to provide the inspiration you need to help unite your class!
1. Hickety Pickety Bumble Bee
Hickety Pickety Bumble Bee provides a cheerful sing-along session for your kids. Encourage them to sing this catchy tune by having them take turns sharing their names according to the lyrics. This basic name game will provide the perfect opportunity for your students to greet one another.
Learn More: YouTube
2. Magic Wall
Invite your learners to play this captivating icebreaker game! Simply start by dividing your class in two before placing a blanket or board between them. Then, have two learners scoot behind the blanket and challenge them to say their partner’s name as you drop the blanket.
Learn More: YouTube
3. Johnny Plays the Drum Beat
Introduce your littles to each other with this musical activity! Allow them to use drums as you guide them in playing “Johnny Plays the Drum beat”. Give each of them a turn to play the beat on a drum while inserting their name into the song.
Learn More: Whimsically Musical
4. Name Toss
This interactive game is guaranteed to be a hit with your class! Using a ball or bean bag, you’ll prompt them to call out a classmate’s name before tossing the item to them. Encourage them to keep on tossing until everyone’s name has been mentioned.
Learn More: Guide, Inc.
5. Candy Conversation Game
Here’s a sweet treat of a game for your kids! Simply hand out different colored Skittles to them before asking them questions about themselves. You’ll allocate questions to their different colors and they’ll only have to answer the questions that correspond to their color.
Learn More: Kids Play and Create
6. Left, Right, Both
This activity is the ideal choice for your older students. Begin by prompting them to form a circle and then have one learner stand in the middle. The person in the middle will point to a friend and say “left”, “right”, or “both” and the person named will then have to mention a classmate in the corresponding position.
Learn More: Ultimate Camp Resource
7. Guess Who
Engage your kiddos’ senses with a game of Guess Who! Invite them to take turns wearing a blindfold while their classmates ask them to guess who they are based on their voices.
Learn More: Kid’s Party Cabin
8. Name Puzzle
Engage your little learners’ creativity in this crafty project! Simply start by printing out portraits of them before labeling each portrait with their names. Task them with cutting their picture into strips, jumbling it up, and then putting it back together to form their name.
Learn More: Tot Schooling
9. Crystal Names
Your students will play scientist for the day in this magical activity! Engage them in creating crystal names by having them suspend pipe cleaner letters in a solution of Borax and water. Once crystalized, allow them to remove their letters and encourage them to place them together to create their sparkly name.
Learn More: Playdough to Plato
10. Name Art
Have your kiddos design vibrant masterpieces with name art! Prepare canvases for them by sticking down tape on each one to spell out their names. Then, invite them to go wild as they use paints of various colors to decorate their personal piece of art.
Learn More: Learn with Play at Home
11. Name Ring Toss
Your kiddos will master name-spelling in no time with this ring toss game! Start by setting up paper cups where the bottom of each cup has been labeled with letters of their name. Then, encourage them to play by having them throw a ring around each letter to spell out their name.
Learn More: Hands On As We Grow
12. Birthday Line-Up
This name-inspired game is all about birthdays! Challenge your littles with putting themselves in order by way of their birthdays. To do this, have them call out their peers’ names to place them in order from earliest birthday to latest birthday.
Learn More: Go Kid Power
13. Bus Stop
Here’s a name association game that’ll enable your pupils to see what they have in common with one another. Simply use a rope to divide your classroom in half before prompting them to stand on the rope. Then, present them with various statements relating to shared interests before inviting them to move to a side that resonates with them the most. Your kids will get to know each other’s names while also learning about their individual interests.
Learn More: Mom Junction
14. Human Shapes
This game presents a wonderful opportunity for you to take learning outdoors! Have your eager learners work in small groups as you task them with using their bodies to spell out each other’s names.
Learn More: Party Games 4 Kids
15. Name Bingo
Name Bingo provides a twist on a classic game that’s perfect for all ages. Start by handing out bingo cards that contain the names of your students. You’ll then call out describing words and if a name matches the description, they’ll mark their card.
Learn More: Youth Group Games
16. Find Your Match
This adorable game is a perfect match for your preschool learners. Prepare laminated squares that include pictures of your class and another set of squares that contain their names. You’ll then invite them to play a variety of games – like challenging them to match each face to its corresponding name card.
Learn More: Early Learning Ideas
17. Describe Your Name
Embrace the diversity in your class with this intriguing name activity! Encourage your kiddos to do some research on their name, before you prompt them to introduce themselves to their classmates and share an interesting fact about their first or last name.
Learn More: One HE
18. Name Letter Sorting
Here’s a riveting name game that requires your little ones’ to work as a team! Simply pair them up, before tasking them to work together to identify the letters that make up their names and the letters that appear in both names.
Learn More: Conversations in Literacy
19. Yes or No Game
This Yes or No game is an awesome tool that you can use to help your pupils practice their communication skills. Challenge them to answer closed questions about their classmates where the answer is “Yes” or “No”. For instance, you’ll ask them “Does Stacy have a brother?” or “Does Adam like ice cream?”.
Learn More: Youth Workin’ It
20. Telephone Game
Play this entertaining Telephone Game with your kids that’s sure to keep them entertained for hours! Start by prompting them to sit in a line or circle before inviting the first learner to whisper a name to their friend next to them. Encourage them to whisper the name around the circle or down the line and have the last person say what they hear out loud.
Learn More: Empowered Parents
21. Missing Name Card Game
In this game, your kids will work in groups to identify the missing name. Label a set of cards with their names and then lay them out for your littles to see. Once they’ve observed each name, you’ll remove one and then challenge them to guess which name is missing.
Learn More: Icebreaker Ideas
22. Mermaid Name Game
What is your Mermaid name? Find out with the Mermaid Name Game! Guide your learners in crafting their very own mermaid name by following this magical template. They’ll match the first letter of their names and their birth month to create their whimsical name.
Learn More: Etsy
23. Who Is Here Today?
Here’s another catchy song that you can use to help your little ones learn their classmates’ names! Invite them to sing along as they insert a new name into the song with each harmonious verse.
Learn More: Musically Minded
24. Chain of Names
In this delightful game, your kiddos will have to use their concentration and memory skills. Invite them to create a chain of names by prompting them to take turns to say their name followed by their favorite class activity. Then, task the next player with repeating the previous name and activity before adding on their own.
Learn More: Corner on Character
25. Name Charades
Add a twist to this classic game by having your learners play Name Charades! Challenge them to act out an activity that starts with the same letter as their name. Their classmates will then have to correctly guess the activity connected to their name.
Learn More: Brightful
26. Name Snowball Fight
Transform your classroom into a winter wonderland with this snowball game! Simply start by setting up snowmen cups before prompting your kids to label each cup with a letter of their name. Then, arm them with fuzzy snowballs and challenge them to knock over the cups, calling out each letter as they go.
Learn More: Rainy Day Mum
27. Name Acrostic
Get those creative juices flowing in this creative writing activity. Encourage your littles to write beautiful acrostic poems by having them come up with adjectives or phrases for every letter of their name.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
28. Name Dance Circle
It’s time to put those little dancing shoes on! Engage your young minds in this groovy game by having them stand in a circle and then prompt each student to say their name and pair it with a dance move. The rest of your class will then mimic the move and shout each name in unison.
Learn More: The Dance Buzz
29. Silent Name Gesture
This imaginative game is silent, but full of fun! Simply start by prompting your students to demonstrate a silent gesture to their classmates. Then, challenge them with stating their name and gesture before mentioning another classmate’s name. The player mentioned will then have to repeat the previous name and gesture before saying their own.
Learn More: Creative Drama
30. Mystery Name Bag
Reinforce your kiddos’ name-recall skills in this mystery game. Invite them to place personal items in mystery bags before prompting your class to pick out one item at a time. They’ll then guess who the mystery bag belongs to based on the objects inside.
Learn More: Made By Teachers
31. Name Rhythm Clap
Fill your classroom with rhythm and beats in this musical activity! Simply task your learners with devising a pattern of claps for their names. Then, invite your whole class to join in as they clap the sequence and sing their classmates’ names.
Learn More: Resources for Early Learning
32. Emoji Name Game
Here’s a trendy game that your kids will love! Engage them in picking emojis that represent or resonate with them. You’ll then challenge the rest of your class to guess what emojis belong to who, inviting them to call out each name when they figure it out.
Learn More: World of Printables
33. Name Jigsaw Puzzle
Your little ones are in for a vibrant day of crafting with this hands-on activity! Begin by handing out blank puzzle pieces before prompting them to decorate each piece and then write their names on it. Once they’ve created their colorful letter pieces, have them put the puzzle together to form their very own crafty name card.
Learn More: Powerful Mothering
34. Name Spin the Bottle
Put a spin on name learning with this interactive game! Gather your kids in a circle and then place a bottle in the middle that you’ll be spinning. Once the bottle comes to a stop, task the learner that it lands on to share their name and a fun fact about themself.
Learn More: Pinterest
35. Name Web
Invite your kiddos to get to know one another as they weave an intricate web around your classroom! Using a ball of yarn, the first student will say their name, hold the end of the yarn, and then toss the ball to another student. Encourage them to repeat the process until everyone gets a turn to introduce themselves.
Learn More: A Word from Third
36. Name Balloon Pop
Your learners are in for an explosive day of learning with this balloon activity! Simply start by filling balloons with different letters, blowing them up, and then scattering them around your classroom. You’ll then challenge your littles to pop the balloons and find the letters that make up their name.
Learn More: Hands On As We Grow
37. Name Scavenger Hunt
Send your kiddos on a name-inspired scavenger hunt! Allow them to hunt around the classroom to find hidden sticky notes with various letters on them. Then, encourage them to use these sticky notes to spell out their name.
Learn More: Homegrown Friends
38. Name Skit
In this activity, your little actors will use drama class to learn each other’s names! First, teach them the basics of acting and provide them with a step-by-step guide to creating a skit. Then, divide them into groups and encourage them to incorporate props into their skit as they perform a short play to introduce every member’s name.
Learn More: Mrs Amy 123
39. Star Name Tags
Everyone is a star with this cheerful craft! Provide your little ones with star-shaped name tags before prompting them to decorate them and fill the spaces provided with their names. Once finished, invite them to wear their tags for the day to facilitate name recall and spark conversations with their classmates.
Learn More: Top Teacher
40. Name Aerobics
Here’s a fun-filled exercise that combines name-learning with movement! Task your little athletes with using different exercise moves to spell out their name, while having the rest of your class repeat each move and letter in tandem.
Learn More: 730 Sage Street
41. Name Stories
Turn your learners into future movie stars with this creative activity! Encourage them to create a short, fictional story where the main character has their name. Once completed, they’ll share their stories as you invite the rest of their class to listen to each fascinating tale.
Learn More: Good Housekeeping
42. Name Haiku
Channel your kids’ inner poets as they create whimsical Haikus! Simply start by teaching them how to use this poetic technique or provide them with a template, before prompting them to create their own with their names included.
Learn More: The Butterfly Teacher
43. Name Decoder Ring
Gather your students for some captivating code cracking! Provide them with a decoder ring before prompting them to allocate letters to numbers to create a secret code. Then, allow them to swap their rings and crack the code to reveal each hidden name.
Learn More: Little Bins for Little Hands
44. Name Soundtrack
Lead your learners in song as they sing these adorable tunes! Simply challenge them with incorporating their name into a song before inviting the whole class to join in on their musical collaborations.
Learn More: Playdough to Plato
45. Name Silhouette
Head outside for this memorable name game! Simply start by tasking your class to use their shadows to create outlines of their bodies with chalk. Then, let the guessing begin as you invite them to try and figure out whose outline belongs to whom, before prompting them to write the correct name in each silhouette.
Learn More: Raising Dragons
46. Name Building Blocks
This Number Block game is a great way to develop your littles fine motor skills! Allow them to label various blocks with the letters of their name. Once labeled, encourage them to put their blocks together in different ways to create name towers.
Learn More: The Imagination Tree
47. Name Word Search
Create a personalized game for your class with this word search puzzle! Simply begin by providing them with customized word search worksheets and then challenge them to find all their peers’ names.
Learn More: Word Mint
48. Name Constellations
Here’s another crafty name-building activity that your pupils will love! Invite them to use white crayons to write their names on black construction paper. Then, arm them with colorful star stickers as you prompt them to form vibrant constellations using their names.
Learn More: Pinterest
49. Name Treasure Chest
Have your littles assist you in creating an interactive treasure chest craft and then invite them to write their names on paper before dropping into the chest. Afterward, set aside some time in your daily lessons where you allow them to draw a name out of the box and encourage them to share positive traits or compliments about this person.
Learn More: YouTube
50. Name Recipe Cards
Add a sprinkle of flavor to your kiddos’ names by inviting them to create a personal recipe! Encourage them to introduce themselves by name before prompting them to craft a recipe to describe themselves. For instance, they’ll write “2 cups of laughter” or “a heap of perseverance” and then present their recipe to their class.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
51. Name Time Capsule
Engage your little ones in the art of self-reflection with this time capsule activity! Simply task them with writing their names on a piece of paper and then allow them to write a letter to themselves, describing who they are. At the end of the year, you’ll allow them to open their letters to reflect on how much they’ve grown.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
52. Name Fashion Show
Challenge your students to strut their stuff in this adorable fashion show! Simply supply them with craft supplies before prompting them to design sashes or accessories showcasing their names. Once completed, invite them to parade in a mini fashion show – introducing themselves with flair.
Learn More: Yeehaw Teaching in Texas
53. Name Trivia Quiz
Tantalize your learners’ trivia skills in this wholesome game. They’ll answer trivia questions about their friends where the answer is one of their names! Simply ask them questions that revolve around fun facts that they’ve shared before prompting them to guess who the fact relates to.
Learn More: Teach Nouvelle
54. Name Story Circle
This Name Story game is guaranteed to provide your kiddos with endless entertainment. Prompt one student to start a story using one of their peer’s names before encouraging the next student to continue the tale by incorporating another classmate’s name. You’ll be amazed to see what bright ideas they come up with!
Learn More: Minds In Bloom
55. Name Portraits
Pair up your littles for some artistic interpretation! Challenge them to draw portraits of each other and then invite your class to try and guess the name of each portrait – for a learning experience that’s sure to evoke some giggles in your classroom.
Learn More: Art Bar Blog
56. Name Tower Challenge
In this game, your kids will create architectural marvels! Simply task them with using different supplies such as cups, bottle caps, egg cartons, and more to try and build the tallest tower in their class. Once their towers have been built, invite them to apply the finishing touch by adding their names to the top of their looming structures.
Learn More: Early Learning Ideas
57. Name Jingle Jam
Channel your students’ inner creatives with this adorable Jingle Jam Activity! Have them create a short jingle or catchy rhyme that features their names. Once they’ve composed their masterpieces, invite them to perform their melodies for their friends.
Learn More: Education Outside
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