👋 Name and Motion
Each player says their name with a move of their own, like a jump, a salute or a little dance. Then everyone repeats it. By the end, the whole group knows every name.
What you need
Equipment: Nothing. Stand in a wide circle with room to move. Explain that everyone will choose one move that represents them.
How to play Name and Motion
- The host starts by saying their name and doing a move: a jump, a salute, a little dance.
- The whole group repeats the name and the move together: "Dana!" plus the jump.
- The next player says their name with a new move.
- The group repeats the new player's name and move, then everyone's before it.
- Keep going around the circle. The chain gets longer and funnier.
- Forgot a move? That player shows it again and you carry on.
- Final round: the host points at players in random order and the group does their move.
Scoring and wrapping up
To finish: You finish when the whole group gets through every name and move in one go without stopping. That is the team win, and now everyone knows each other's names.
By age
- Ages 4-5: Repeat only the newest name, not the whole chain.
- Ages 8+: Make the move start with the same letter as the name, like "Sam spins."
Variations
- Big group: After every eight players, start a fresh chain so it never gets too long.
- Capy twist: Do the whole chain again, but in slow motion, then superfast.
Tips for the adult in charge
- After the round, ask: who can remember every name and every move?
- Model a big, silly move first. It gives shy kids permission to be playful.
Safety
Leave enough space between players for jumps and spins.
Questions and answers
What is a good name game for preschool?
Name and Motion is ideal: children only need to say their own name and do a move, and the group does the rest.
How can I help kids remember names?
Repeat each name several times, link it to a move, and finish with a random-order round.