
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
How to Play
5 stepsMake a circle
Everyone stands or sits in a circle.
Add a word
The first student says a describing word with their name, like Jumping Jada.
Repeat the chain
The next student repeats the first one, then adds their own.
Keep it going
Each new student says every name before theirs.
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
All Icebreaker Games
Human Bingo
LivelyFind a classmate for each square on a bingo card of facts, also called Find Someone Who.

The M&M Game
QuietEach candy color is a question: red for a favorite food, blue for a dream trip.

This or That
LivelyCall two choices; students move to their side of the room and explain their pick.
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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