My Name Is and I Like To

Name and Purpose

My Name Is and I Like To helps players learn each other’s names by connecting them to something personal and memorable.
The motion adds a physical anchor that makes names stick.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 8-30 players | 10-20 minutes | Any indoor or outdoor space with room for a standing circle

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Stand in a circle.
Player 1 says: “My name is [name] and I like to [hobby],” then acts out a motion for that hobby.
The group echoes: “[Name] likes to [hobby],” and does the motion together.
Player 2 introduces themselves. The group echoes Player 2, then Player 1.
Each new player adds their intro. The group echoes all players in order. The last player triggers one full group echo of everyone.

Setup and Boundaries

How to Play

Everyone stands in a circle.
The first player says: “My name is [name] and I like to [hobby],” and acts out a motion for that hobby (e.g., “I like to fish” with a casting motion).
The whole group echoes back: “[Name] likes to [hobby],” and all do the motion together.
The next player says their own name and hobby with a motion. The group echoes that player, then goes back and echoes the first player.
Each new player adds to the chain. The group echoes each new player first, then works backward through everyone before them.
The last player goes, and the whole group echoes the entire chain from start to finish.

I-OPt Options

Start: A (jump in with a big energetic hobby and motion) | S (help quieter players brainstorm a hobby if they are stuck) | Q (choose a simple, small motion and hobby you feel comfortable with) | O (watch the first few players before deciding on your hobby and motion)
Mid: A (echo every motion enthusiastically) | S (help the group remember an earlier player’s motion during the echo) | Q (echo at a lower energy level that feels right for you) | O (watch and join in on the echoing when you feel ready)
Late: A (try to remember and echo the full chain without prompts) | S (quietly prompt a neighbour who forgets the sequence) | Q (echo gently, focusing on the names more than the motions) | O (listen and cheer for the group during the final full echo)
End: A (lead the final full-group echo of everyone) | S (help prompt anyone who gets stuck) | Q (echo along at your own energy) | O (listen to the debrief and share what stood out to you)

Inclusion Adaptations

For players with limited mobility, the motion can be seated, minimised, or replaced with a facial expression or a single hand gesture.
For players with hearing differences, staff can pair the spoken name with a written name card shown briefly so everyone can follow the sequence.

Stewardship Moment

No materials, no waste. This game is a great reminder that connection does not require any gear at all.
Reflection: “What does it mean to be remembered? How does knowing someone’s name change how you treat them?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “In this game you will share your name and something you enjoy, with a motion. If you would prefer to share a simple motion without explaining why you chose it, that is completely fine too.”
For those not comfortable with any part of this activity, sitting out or joining as an observer is another option.
Mid-game check: After 4-5 players, pause. “Everyone doing okay? Feeling good to keep going?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can pass their turn and re-enter at the end of the round. Staff will make space for them naturally.

Risks and Mitigation

Players feeling put on the spot about their hobby choice: remind everyone that any hobby counts, even “I like to sleep” or “I like to eat snacks.”
Long group sizes making the final echo overwhelming: cap at 15 players per circle, or split into two circles running at the same time.
Players with speech differences feeling anxious: a motion-only option (no verbal) is fully acceptable.

Warm-Up Suggestions

“One word feeling”: each player says one word about how they are feeling before the game begins. Quick and low-stakes.
“Shake it out”: everyone shakes out their hands and takes a breath together before the first player goes.

Debrief Questions

What? “Whose name and motion do you remember most clearly?”
So What? “Why do you think the motion helped you remember the name?”
Now What? “What is something you could do this week to help someone feel remembered and known?”

Cleanup and Reset

No cleanup needed.
Before moving on, do one quick name-round: staff points at each player and the group calls out their name together.