Form a circle, standing if able, and interact to learn each other’s names and favorite activities. Individuals decide on what verbal and non-verbal communication they will use to convey information about themselves to the group. Each person’s name and non-verbal clue is remembered and repeated by the group. The facilitator is gathering information that can help inform the facilitation of the upcoming session in a way that meets the cultural and linguistic needs of participants. Members of the group can use the information to co-create an inclusive and productive work space for one another.
When and Why
Back to topName and Motion is especially powerful when a new group is coming together. While this works well with adults, it’s an ongoing favorite with students throughout the year. It will help participants learn names and get to know a little bit about one another. The activity provides an opportunity for agency over what they choose to reveal about themselves and their identities. The elements of pantomime and memory add novelty to the activity and strengthen the impact of the practice. The group navigates the rules of the game collaboratively and supports one another. If someone needs help, providing that together contributes to creating a sense of belonging, as does the ability to address one another by name.
How to Facilitate
Back to top- Reflect on the current contexts, demographics of participants, and the purpose of this engagement.
- Determine how the room can be set up to accommodate everyone in a circle.
- Share that the purpose of the activity is to learn each other’s names and get to know one another while having fun. Mistakes, always a part of learning, are also part of the game.
- Invite the group to form a circle and explain how the game works:
- Each person will take a turn saying their own name while making a motion that represents something they enjoy doing. (Facilitator models.)
- Each participant in turn will repeat the names and gestures of those who have gone before, and then will add their own name and gesture. It’s fine if what you choose happens to be chosen by someone else, too. We’ll see if that happens!
- Together, take a quiet moment to think of what we want to share and the gesture that will help people remember it.
- Model again with your name and motion, e.g., “I’m Sara and I like to play basketball.” (Pretend to throw a ball towards a hoop.)
- Check for understanding. Then ask the person to your left to begin. Model by repeating their name and demonstrating their motion, and then adding your own.
- When someone can’t remember a name or motion, invite them to ask someone in the circle for help and thank that person for their assistance.
- Debrief by asking one or more of these questions:
- “What is important about knowing each other’s names?”
- “What was it like for you to participate in this?”
- “Were there any surprises?”
- “How did you feel when a mistake was made?”
- “What’s something you had in common with someone?”
- “What is something several people in the group had in common?”
Modification
Back to top- Instead of using a gesture, say the name of the activity and give one clap before saying the next person’s name and activity. This may be a modification for individuals for whom gestures are challenging or as a variation for a fresh approach when the activity is repeated another day.
- In a virtual environment, set your Zoom screen settings to gallery view before you begin, so that all participants have the same view and can go in the order you designate. (Left to right, row by row.)