Nod and Wink Circle

Name and Purpose

• Nod and Wink Circle is a playful way to sharpen attention and practise remembering names.
• Players stay fully tuned in because the signal can come from anywhere at any time.

a.k.a.

• Name Toss, Signal Pass

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 8-16 | 8-30 players | 10-15 minutes | Any circle space indoors or outdoors

Materials

• Optional: one soft ball or beanbag for the name toss warm-up
• No additional materials needed

Quick-Run Card

1. Group stands in a circle. Staff explains each signal clearly.
2. One person sends a wink or nod across the circle.
3. Receiver acknowledges with the same signal back, then passes it to someone new.
4. Once the group is confident, add extra signals: tongue out, nose-thumb, or wave.
5. End with a debrief using the three questions below.

Setup and Boundaries

• Form a single circle with enough space between players to see faces clearly.
• Signal: one raised hand from staff means pause; two claps means stop and listen.
• Check for tripping hazards if playing outdoors.
• If playing indoors, ensure lighting is bright enough for participants to see facial signals.

How to Play

1. Everyone stands in a circle.
2. One person starts by sending a wink to someone across the circle.
3. That person winks back to show they received it, then winks at a new person.
4. Add a nod pattern running at the same time once the group is comfortable.
5. Introduce extra signals one at a time: tongue out, nose-thumb, or ear tug.
6. The game ends when staff call the stop signal or after a set time.

I-OPt Options

• A (Active): Send and receive signals quickly, try to keep multiple patterns running at once.
• S (Support): Gently point out when a signal seems to have been missed, helping keep the game flowing.
• Q (Quiet): Participate with subtle signals, staying at a comfortable pace.
• O (Observer): Watch the patterns develop from the circle, step in when ready.

Inclusion Adaptations

• Players with visual impairments can use a gentle tap on the shoulder from a neighbour instead of a visual signal.
• Players who find eye contact uncomfortable can use a hand wave or thumbs-up as their signal.

Stewardship Moment

• No materials to clean up; this is a low-footprint activity.
• Reflection: “What happens when one person in the circle stops paying attention? How is that like caring for a shared space?”

Consent

• Pre-brief: “This game uses winks, nods, and a few silly faces. For those not comfortable with direct eye contact, a small hand wave works just as well.”
• Mid-game check: After the first round, ask players to show thumbs up, sideways, or down to share how they are feeling.
• Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can step back and observe. To re-enter, they simply make eye contact with someone still playing and give a nod.

Risks and Mitigation

• Signal confusion leading to frustration: introduce one signal at a time and confirm understanding before adding the next.
• Players feeling put on the spot when a signal comes to them unexpectedly: remind the group at the start that it is fine to ask “Was that for me?” out loud.
• Excluding quieter players: staff watches to ensure signals move around the whole circle, not just the loudest participants.

Warm-Up Suggestions

• Name Toss: toss a soft ball around the circle, saying the name of the person you are throwing to.
• Mirror: pairs face each other and mirror each other’s movements for 30 seconds before joining the circle.

Debrief Questions

• What? “What signals were you using? Which one was hardest to keep track of?”
• So What? “What did it take to stay connected with everyone in the circle?”
• Now What? “Where else in your day do you send or receive signals without words?”

Cleanup and Reset

• Return any borrowed ball or beanbag.
• No other cleanup required.
• Take 30 seconds to shake out hands and arms before moving to the next activity.