Starting a new school year can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially with new classmates, new faces, and a long list of new names to remember. This game is one of our recommended back-to-school activities, and it serves as the perfect remedy for this issue. Not only will you master the art of learning 30 new names in just minutes, but your students will also enjoy this game and have a lot of fun in the process while acquiring new adjectives.
Objective:
The primary goal of this icebreaker activity is to facilitate the quick and enjoyable learning of your students’ names while introducing them to adjectives. It’s an engaging way to kick off the school year and foster a positive classroom atmosphere.
Procedures:
1- Setting the scene: Begin by explaining the challenge teachers face at the start of a new school year, facing a multitude of new names. Express your need for their assistance in making this process easier and more enjoyable.
2-Provide an Example: To clarify the activity, start by giving a demonstration. For instance, say, “My name is Alice , so I am Artistic Alice “
3- Student Participation: Select the first student to take their turn. They should follow your lead by repeating your name and adjective: “You are Artistic Alice.” Then, they should introduce themselves with an adjective that matches the first letter of their first name, e.g., “I am Lucky Lucy .”
Proceed to the next student, who must repeat all previous names, including yours, and then add their own adjective-related introduction, like “You are Artistic Alice, and you are Lucky Lucy . I am Friendly Felix.”
4-Continue this process, with each student repeating all the previous names and adding their own adjective-related introduction, creating a chain of introductions.
5- Backward Challenge: After several rounds, once all students have had a turn, task the first student (who had the easiest task) with saying all the names backward, like “I am Felix Friendly, you are Lucy Lucky , and you are Alice Artistic…”
6-Quick Recap: Finally, quickly say all their names, either with or without the adjectives, showcasing your achievement in learning their names.
7-Celebration: Conclude the game by congratulating the students for their active participation and thank them for their help in making it easier for you to learn their names. This sets a positive tone for the class.
This icebreaker not only aids in rapidly learning your students’ names but also establishes a welcoming and enjoyable classroom environment from day one.
