Team Warm-up: Active Introduction Circle
Active name circle to get to know each other at the start of the school year or with new groups: each student says their name and a hobby with a gesture that the class repeats. It builds group connection, breaks the ice and provides a gentle warm-up.
How to play
- Gather the whole class in a large circle, with the teacher in the circle too.
- The teacher goes first as a model: says their name and a hobby and makes a matching movement (for example, "Mr. Lopez, swimming" while doing arm strokes).
- One by one, in order, each student introduces themselves the same way; the class repeats the name and movement together (about 4 minutes).
- Second round (2 minutes): everyone jogs lightly around the space and must greet three classmates by name, doing that person's gesture.
- On the whistle, return to the circle, and a few volunteers try to remember classmates' names.
- Finish with one group clap on the count of three.
Rules
- Take turns speaking and listen to each classmate.
- Movements are safe and stay out of other people's space.
- No teasing or comments about anyone's hobbies.
- During the jogging round, move without bumping into anyone and greet without pushing.
Variations
Easier
Each student says only their name and makes any movement.
Standard
Name, hobby and a movement repeated by the class.
Harder
Before introducing themselves, each student must remember the names and gestures of the three classmates before them.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the movement is made with the arms or head, and in the second round classmates come to greet the student.
- Shy students: they may introduce themselves together with a partner, or choose to go last.
- Low fitness: the second round is done walking.
Learning goals
- Get to know each other and build a sense of group.
- Express yourself through movement in front of others.
- Warm up the body gently.
Teacher tip
With 25 students the circle can drag: keep the pace brisk and have hobby examples ready for anyone who freezes. It works best in the first classes of the year.
PatioLab has "Team Warm-up: Active Introduction Circle" and 599 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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