STEP IN STEP OUT
Type: Name Game
Age: All ages
Resources: None
Time: Depends on group size
Group Size: The more the merrier
An active name game and icebreaker. Creates relaxed and energised vibes in a group while building confidence and allowing people to get to know each other.
Standing in a circle, everyone chants: “Step in step out, come and introduce yourself (x2), STEP IN”. One person then steps in and says “hi my name is _________ and…” they can add any of the following variations: school, grade, favourite hobby, etc.
When they are done everyone chants: “STEP OUT” and person steps out. Chant “Step in step out” again until everyone has had a turn moving clockwise around the circle.
MEXICAN NAME WAVE
Type: Name Game
Age: All
Resources: None
Time: 5 mins per 15 people
Group Size: Any size
Stand in a circle. Do a simple Mexican Wave: one player lifts both arms in the air, and down again. When his arms are totally up, his left neighbour does the same, so a ‘wave’ of hands forms around the circle.
When they’ve got this, the first person then says their name as they start the wave. As the group then passes around the wave, each person says the wave starter’s name so that the wave and their name move around the circle once. The person on the starter’s left then says their name as they start the wave and in turn each person has a chance to start the wave and pass around their name
ACTION SYLLABLES
Type: Name Game
Age: All ages if just name & action but 12 up for the syllables
Resources: None
Time: Depends on group size but about 1 min per person
Group Size: Any
Great warm-up that also helps a new group to learn each other’s names. Everyone stands in a circle. First person says his name, making a gesture (an action) for every syllable. Mary has 2 syllables, so she does something like “Ma-” (wave right hand) “-ry” (claps hands). Everyone repeats this saying the name and doing the actions together. Then the second person does the same and you go around the circle. It can be fun at the end to see if everyone together can go around the whole circle and remember all the names and actions.
You can also make this game simpler by just doing the name and one action, rather than an action per syllable.
This is part of the “Seed Pack – Resources for facilitating holistic education and working” – a free guide offered by Earthchild, to support others in their journey connecting children to themselves, others and the environment. Support our work with Earth Children from under-resourced communities by donating.