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The Name Game: a sticker of a name tag sticker that says HELLO my name is

The Name Game Icebreaker

In a circle, each student says their name with a word that starts with the same sound, plus the names of everyone before them.

  • Whole class
  • 10 min
  • Nothing to prepare
  • Kindergarten to 12th grade
  • Lively
One page with all five steps

How to Play

5 steps
  1. The Name Game, step 1: Make a circle

    Make a circle

    Everyone stands or sits in a circle.

  2. The Name Game, step 2: Add a word

    Add a word

    The first student says a describing word with their name, like Jumping Jada.

  3. The Name Game, step 3: Repeat the chain

    Repeat the chain

    The next student repeats the first one, then adds their own.

  4. The Name Game, step 4: Keep it going

    Keep it going

    Each new student says every name before theirs.

  5. The Name Game, step 5: Name the whole circle

    Name the whole circle

    The last student names everyone. Help is allowed.

Ways to Change It Up

  • Name and MoveAdd a motion to each name, and the circle copies it.
  • Ball TossSay a name and toss a soft ball to that person.

What You Need

No tools needed: The Name Game takes nothing but the class.

More Icebreaker Games

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The Name Game Questions

Plan the Game into the Week

Drop a game into any lesson plan in EMStudio, with the rules attached. Free to start.

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Checked by a teacher