Name-in-Motion Game
Name game in motion: each student says their name with a movement that the group repeats — perfect for learning names.
How to play
- Everyone stands in a circle.
- One at a time, each student says their name and does a movement (jump, spin, gesture).
- The group repeats the name and movement together.
- Second round: repeat the two previous students' movements before doing your own.
Rules
- Movements everyone can copy safely.
- Respect each person's turn.
Variations
Easier
One round.
Standard
Two rounds remembering the previous two.
Harder
Move around the space and, when meeting someone, say their name and do their move.
Adaptations
- Shy students: choose a simple move or say the name with help.
- Limited mobility: upper-body movements.
Learning goals
- Build group cohesion at the start of the year.
- Warm up gently and develop memory.
PatioLab has "Name-in-Motion Game" and 599 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More warm-ups for Elementary
Active Blind Man's Bluff
Active "Blind Man's Bluff": a partner guides a blindfolded classmate by voice so they can tag the others.
Active Corners
Active corners: each corner of the area has an exercise; students run to the corner called and do that exercise.
Animal Races
Animal races: students move like different animals across the space — a fun way to warm up all major muscle groups.
Around the World
Around the world: each area of the playground is a continent and students travel between them doing different moves.
Balance Pose Challenge
Balance pose challenge: students hold balance poses alone, in pairs and in small groups, improving stability and body control.
Body Echo
Body echo: the teacher makes a sound or rhythm with the body (claps, stomps) and students repeat it like an echo.
