Other names
Inspiration
This is a fun, easy way to start learning the names in a new group of people.
Themes
Throwing, Catching, Learning names, Quick thinking
Group size
8-16 players
Timing
5-10 min/round
Play area
Any clear area
Energy
Low (sitting, standing)
Age range
5+ years
Start formation
Circle
Equipment
Throwables
Hazards/safety
Make sure to use soft objects as the throwables. Quick options:
- Tie a bandana in several overlapping overhand knots
- Put a small rock in a long sock, twist the sock once to trap the rock, and turn the sock inside out. Repeat until there is no free sock fabric left.
Instructions
- Have the group stand in a circle, and instruct everyone to hold their hands in front of them.
- Explain that our goal as a group is to throw a ball in a random pattern so that everyone in the circle has caught, and then thrown, the ball exactly once, and we want to remember the sequence so we can repeat it later. One restriction: you can’t throw the ball to the person next to you.
- In addition, we’re going to use names as we throw the ball, like this: the person with the ball says their own name, then the name of someone across the circle who they’re going to throw the ball to (if you don’t know the name of the person you want to throw to, just point to them and ask). When you do throw the ball, remember who you threw it to, then put your hands behind your back to indicate to the rest of the circle that you’ve already received the ball.
- The person who just received the ball repeats the process: a) says their own name, b) says the name of the person they are going to throw the ball to, c) throws the ball, d) remembers who they threw it to, and e) puts their hands behind their back.
- After everyone in the circle has thrown and caught the ball once, the ball should be thrown back to the facilitator, completing the sequence.
- Do a second a round of throwing and catching, repeating the original sequence.
- Now it’s time to make things more interesting. First, add a “time” challenge. Ask the participants how fast they think they can repeat their sequence of throwing, catching, and saying names (FYI, most groups can, with practice, eventually complete the sequence in less than one second per person). Let the group offer a few guesses. Then run the game several times, trying to get faster with each round.
- Second, add a “complexity” challenge. Start by throwing one ball as usual (in the usual sequence), but a few seconds later, throw a second, then a third ball (also in the usual sequence). Finally, announce that one ball (ideally, a different color) likes to go backwards. Ask everyone to think of the person who they normally receive the bandana from. That’s the person who they’ll throw the “backwards ball” to. Throw a few “regular” balls in the “normal” direction, then start the “backwards” ball going backwards.
Modifications