Faculty Resources

Teaching Resources

Activites for Learning Names

Action Names
1. Students stand in a circle
2. Student 1 says: "My name is Zac and I like to zoom (make an airplane motion)."
3. Student 2 says: "That's Zac and he likes to zoom (making motion). I am Nicole and I like to knit (makes knitting motion)."
4. Student 3 says: "That's Zac and he likes to zoom (making motion). That's Nicole and she likes to knit (making motion). And I'm Micah and I like to munch (making chewing motion)."
5. ...and so on.

Rationale:
» Light activity that helps everyone get to know each others' names.
» Incorporates some kinesthetic learning. Making motions with one's body can help the learning process for many students.

Mnemonics for Names
A mnemonic is any little trick that can help you remember something important. This activity can be done individually or in groups. You might bring in scissors, paper and bold markers for this activity.
1. Directions: "You are each going to have a couple of minutes to present something to help me remember your name. You can draw something, sing act something outÖ whatever can help me to remember your name. I will give you 10 minutes to prepare."
2. Examples: Present a mnemonic for your own name.

	Natasha makes a mustache which she holds up while reciting 2 lines from a Groucho Marx song: Natasha, in spite of your prominent mustach-a, Natasha, I love you!
	Soo, a student from Korea with glasses, draws a picture of herself, incorporating her name so that the round frames of her glasses form the two O's in her name.

3. Encourage students to help each other out.
4. Take notes during presentations, and be sure to watch the time so that everyone gets an opportunity.
5. At the end of class, see if anyone is able to remember all of the names.

Rationale:
Allows students to access their own learning styles.
Shows teacher who is comfortable speaking in front of class.