High-Five Name Cross

Name and Purpose

• High-Five Name Cross helps players learn each other’s names through movement and positive physical connection.
• It removes throwing and catching pressure while keeping energy high.

a.k.a.

• Name Walk, Walk and Greet

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 8-16 | 8-30 players | 10-20 minutes | Open indoor or outdoor space; circle approximately 5-10m across

Materials

• No materials required
• Optional: a cone or spot marker to hold a player’s place in line

Quick-Run Card

1. Form a standing circle with enough space to walk across.
2. Player 1 crosses the circle and gives a high five to Player 2, calling their name aloud.
3. Player 1 takes Player 2’s spot in the circle.
4. Player 2 crosses to a new player, gives a high five, and calls their name.
5. Continue until everyone has been called. Add a thank-you response if the group is ready.

Setup and Boundaries

• Form a wide circle so players have room to walk across comfortably.
• Signal: one raised hand from staff means pause.
• Check the walking surface for trip hazards before starting.
• Outdoor play: be aware of sun direction, uneven ground, or wet grass.

How to Play

1. Everyone stands in a circle with a little space between them.
2. One player starts by making eye contact with someone across the circle and calling that person’s name clearly.
3. They walk across and offer a high five.
4. The receiving player returns the high five and says “thanks, [name].” They then take the caller’s spot, and the caller takes their spot.
5. The receiving player now becomes the next caller. They make eye contact with a new person, call their name, and cross the circle.
6. Continue until everyone has been called at least once, building name recognition with every crossing.

I-OPt Options

• Start: A (stand in the circle ready to call and be called) | S (help a player remember a name quietly before they call) | Q (stand in the circle but signal staff if you prefer a gentle tap instead of a high five) | O (watch one full round from beside the circle, then join when ready)
• Mid: A (call names quickly and confidently) | S (offer a small cheer when someone gets their name called) | Q (walk at an easy pace across the circle) | O (step to the side briefly, re-enter when a spot opens)
• Late: A (speed up the pattern if the group is ready) | S (help someone who draws a blank on a name) | Q (continue at walking pace) | O (watch from outside, count how many names you can remember)
• End: A (try one round with eyes closed after learning names) | S (lead the thank-you response) | Q (observe the final round) | O (join the debrief circle)

Inclusion Adaptations

• Replace the high five with an elbow bump, wave, or verbal greeting for players with sensory sensitivities or limited arm mobility.
• A staff member can walk alongside a player who needs support crossing the circle.

Stewardship Moment

• No materials used, no cleanup needed. Take a moment to appreciate that a great game requires nothing at all.
• Reflection: “What did it feel like to have your name called and heard?”

Consent

• Pre-brief: “This game involves walking across the circle and giving a high five. For those who prefer a wave or elbow bump instead of a high five, that works perfectly and is just as great.”
• For those not comfortable with any part of this activity, sitting out or joining as an observer is another option.
• Mid-game check: After 3-4 crossings, pause. “Everyone good to keep going? Any changes you want to make to how you greet?”
• Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can step to the side of the circle. Call “Back in” when ready and step into the next open spot.

Risks and Mitigation

• Two players walking toward each other at the same time: staff calls names in sequence, one at a time, to avoid crossings.
• Player does not know someone’s name: pause the game briefly and do a quick name-round for the group. No embarrassment needed.
• Slippery or uneven surface: remind players to walk, not run.

Warm-Up Suggestions

• “One word each”: go around the circle, each player says one word that describes how they are feeling right now.
• “Point and name”: stand in the circle and just point at each other while saying names before adding movement.

Debrief Questions

• What? “Whose name did you call? Do you still remember it now?”
• So What? “How did walking across and making eye contact help you learn the name better than just hearing it?”
• Now What? “What is one thing you can do this week to help you remember someone’s name?”

Cleanup and Reset

• No cleanup needed. Collect any spot markers if used.
• Remind players of one name they learned before moving to the next activity.