Activity time: 5 minutes

Materials for Activity

• A light weight ball such as a small beach ball or other plastic or foam ball

Preparation for Activity

• Arrange chairs in a circle.
• It is assumed in this game that the children may not know everyone's name. Name tags should be put away.

Description of Activity

The goal of this activity is to help the children learn one another's names as they play a game which includes everyone. Ask the children to stand in a circle if they are able. Say:

I'm going to throw the ball to someone. When you catch the ball, say your name, and throw it to someone else. After you throw the ball, put your hands down at your sides so we can see who still needs a turn.

Start by saying your name and then throw the ball to a child in the circle. The child who catches will then say their name and throw the ball to another child in the circle. When everyone has had a turn, ask for the ball back and ask the children to put their hands up again. Say:

Now I'm going to say someone's name and throw the ball to that person. When you catch the ball, throw it to someone else, and say that person's name. After you throw the ball, put your hands down at your sides.

This time, begin by saying the name of a child in the circle and then throwing the ball to that child. The child who catches the ball will then say another child's name and will throw the ball to them. If the children seem to know each other's names, you can suggest that they try to go faster and faster. If someone cannot remember someone else's name, they can ask for help from others in the circle.

To end the game, put up your hands, ask for the ball, and put it away.

Including All Participants

This activity can be done sitting down if any child is unable to stand easily, or if the children's energy is too high.

If a child has difficulty catching or throwing, they can hold a basket that others can throw the ball into or designate another child to throw for them.