Name Games

Name Games -

                                       What’s your name?
                                       Puddin and tane.
                                       Ask me again
                                       And I’ll tell you the same

Do you remember that rhyme? Our name is important to us at all ages. Names are also a perfect springboard for creating a classroom community and integrating reading skills. Here are some songs, chants, books, and activities to help children build friendships and feel special throughout the year!

Cookies - Cut 3” circles (cookies) out of poster board. Write each child’s name on the “cookie.” Place the cookies in an empty cookie box or bag. Chose one name at a time and use it in the chant below:

Child’s name ate the cookie in the cookie jar.
Who me? (First child responds.)
Yes you. (Class chants.)
Couldn’t be? (First child.)
Then who? (Class chants.)
Second child’s name ate the cookie
(Choose a second child’s name) in the cookie jar.

Give each child a cookie to eat for snack. Take a picture of them eating their cookie, and then make a book with their pictures and the above chant.

Who ate the cookie in the cookie jar?
Child’s name ate the cookie in the cookie jar.
Who me?          (First child responds.)
Yes you.           (Class chants.)
Couldn’t be?      (First child.)
Then who?        (Class chants.)
Second child’s name ate the cookie
(Choose a second child’s name) in the cookie jar.

Give each child a cookie to eat for snack. Take a picture of them eating their cookie, and then make a book with their pictures and the above chant.

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Looking through My Window -

This activity will bring back fond memories of Romper Room! First, take an old picture frame and spray paint it gold or silver. Glue on “jewels” or glitter. Hold it in front of your face as you sing this song to the tune of “Go In and Out My Window.”

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                                             I’m looking through my window.
                                             I’m looking through my window.
                                             I’m looking through my window,
                                             And I see my friend (first child’s name).

First child takes the picture frame and looks through it as you sing the song. The first child names a second friend and passes the frame to him or her. The song continues until everyone has had a turn. (You can also cut a frame from cardboard and use it to sing the song.)

Shakey, Shakey - Clap or snap to the beat as you chant:

Child’s name, child’s name, sick in bed.
Called the doctor and the doctor said.
Come on, child’s name, you’re not sick.
All you need is an exercise trick.
So stand up and shakey, shakey shakey.        (Child stands
Get down and shakey, shakey, shakey,            and makes
Turn around and shakey, shakey, shakey,         silly motions.)
Sit down and shakey, shakey, shakey.            (Child sits down.)

…Continue around the room chanting to each child.

I Am Special - Place a hand mirror in the bottom of a shoebox and put the lid on top. Explain to the children that the most wonderful thing in the whole world is in the box. “It’s so special there’s only one like it in the world!” Watch children’s smiles as they open the box and see their faces! End by singing this song to the tune of “Ferer Jacques.”

                      I am special.
                      I am special.
                      Take a look.
                      You will see.
                      You will see.
                      Someone very special.
                      Someone very special.
                      And it’s me!
                      And it’s me!

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