Activity 2: Meeting One Another (5 minutes)
Materials for Activity
- Optional: Cordless microphone
Preparation for Activity
- Make sure all participants' nametags are visible. If any participants need to make nametags, pass around the materials as you begin this activity.
Description of Activity
Gather participants in a circle, so all can see one another.Introduce the activity by affirming participants:
I'm so glad you are here. There is so much knowing in this room, and each one of us has something to offer us all.
Tell participants that each of them will say his/her name, but first each will think of a body movement to share with their name. Suggest that each participant might use a movement that reflects himself/herself, or his/her name, in some way. The movement might echo a sound in the name; for example, Catalina's movement might imitate a cat because her name starts with "cat." The movement might communicate something that the participant does frequently; for example, Sam's movement might imitate a swimmer's crawl because he likes to swim.
Tell the group that after each person shares his/her name and a movement, everyone else can repeat the name and the movement. Acknowledge that among adults we have many levels of physical ability and disability, and that differences in ability and mobility are not always visible. Encourage participants to move as they are able and to avoid repeating any movement that might cause them instability or injury.
You may begin by sharing your own name and movement, or invite a participant to go first. Ask participants to say their names slowly and clearly. If you are using a microphone, pass it during the sharing.
If the group has 20 or fewer participants, after all have shared their names and movements ask if anyone thinks they can repeat all the names. If the volunteer gets stuck on a participant's name, ask the participant to repeat his/her name.
Thank the volunteer.
Including All Participants
Make sure to emphasize that everyone can participate regardless of whether they are willing and able to repeat others’ body movements.Last updated on Friday, April 18, 2008.
