Learning Names is a Process of Practice
Using name games in a way to actually learn names.
(Crossposted at OnTeamBuilding)
Katie emailed me:
My favorite name game is Group Juggle because it seems to be the most helpful way to actually learn names. But after you facilitate it for the hundredth time it’s nice to do something different. What other name games are as helpful and active as Group Juggle that work with youth and adults?
[Note: Group Juggle involves creating a tossing ‘pattern’ – each player will toss an object to the same person throughout the activity.]
In my response to Katie, along with a few of my favorite name games, I told her that I think about name games in two ways. Activities that use names as a helpful behavior within a task, and activities that are used to learn names. When names are used as a helpful behavior, the task is the focus. For example, when I present Group Juggle - the activity object is to move the object(s) through the pattern as quickly as possible. Learning names is not the goal, but it’s helpful to use them during the task.
I also told Katie that if the facilitator takes some time after an activity like Group Juggle, to go around and ask for volunteers to call out as many names as they can, then we’re practicing to learn names and offering a “challenge” as well: Who will take the social risk at making a mistake? A win-win in my book.
If I’m playing a name game with my group, it is always for the facilitated objective of learning names. The goal is to learn names; any other outcomes are secondary.
Here’s my all-time favorite way to use a name game for learning names in a fun and purposefully educational way.
Toss-a-Name Game with Testing Out Toss-a-Name Game comes from the first edition of Silver Bullets (Rohnke, 1984). For a circle of 12 to 24 participants, you need a bunch a safe tossable objects – safe enough to hit the cranial region of a player after an errant throw, without damage. I bring at least one safe tossable for every two people.
One object starts the action. The person tossing the object, underhanded, is asked to FIRST, say the name of the person they are tossing the object to. THEN make a connection with this person - in many cultures this is eye-contact or maybe exchanges of a thumbs up. FINALLY, the object is tossed. This three-step process is called “Proper Tossing Procedure” (or PTP for short). Following this procedure leads most groups to successful tosses and catches. Not following the procedure can lead to mishaps. If a catch is made, that’s nice. Keep following PTP. If a catch is not made, anyone near the object is allowed to pick it up and continue the PTP process.
The next person to possess this first object (since the intended person might not get the toss), follows the same PTP - name, connection, toss. This one object goes around the group in any which-way - no pattern (like in Group Juggle) is required. Once the process is understood, after a minute or so, I stop the action and tell my group about Testing Out.
Now that you understand how PTP works, I would like to give you a challenge - remember, it’s your challenge, it’s your choice, so it’s up to you if you want to try “testing out.” We’re going to continue the activity, following PTP. After a few minutes I will stop the process and ask who would like to test out. If you are up for the challenge, the first thing you will need to tell me is what grade you want to go for - this means, if you get 90% or more names correct you earn an “A” grade. For those thinking about it, for an A+ you need to get all the names correct without help. A “B” is in the 80th percentile, a “C” is in the 70th percentile, and so on. If you don’t get the grade you want, you can try again after another round of tossing play.
Adding the “testing out” challenge has proven to be successful for me. Even though there is no real grade given, going for a “grade” seems to influence the learning process and motivates a fair number of participants to practice names as they toss objects around the group and listening to the names when they are not tossing anything. If a person doesn’t know someone’s name they can ask, “Hey, you in the red shirt, please help me out. What is your name?” Once a name is given, then it’s practice time - name, connection, toss.
Now, something else starts happening in Toss-a-Name Game. While PTP is being practiced, more objects are added, one at a time, to the process when the facilitator feels the group can handle more. All the tossing around creates a little anxiety and fun (now you get the cranial reference), while the potential learning is going on.
After every couple of minutes, stop the action and ask if anyone wants to test out. In the beginning, I might simply ask, “Who thinks they have 50% of the names? Maybe 70%? How about 80%?” This helps you to see if there is some learning going on. Continue: “Okay, who’s willing to try the test? I’ll take two or three volunteers.” I ask for the grade they want then let them give it a try.
We all celebrate each person’s attempt, whether it was a success in their eyes or not - because they can try again another time. One of the secondary facilitated objectives of this activity experience is to show the group how you are all creating a safe learning environment - if you take a ‘risk’ we are there to support you. With that said, I am always one of the first to test out, usually needing a few tries before I get my A+. This shows my group I’m willing to take the risk as well - willing to fail and learn from the process.
Now, you might be thinking, Testing is the outcome Chris! I thought you said learning names was the outcome? As I noted, I see testing as the motivator - a choice is on the line. Each person chooses their own grade (goal) if they even want to test out, does their best, and celebrates the attempt knowing they gave it a shot, taking a risk in a safe environment. Often just like the activities coming up in a program. There will be some risk involved, but if the group can practice supporting each other during their risk-taking, they will find success in the many ways they define it.
This is the way I use a Name Game.
Have FUN out there!
Chris
Growth Opportunity: What is a name game you like to use? Share in the Comments.
Resource: Name Warp Speed is another fun active game I like to use. You only need a game spot (e.g., an index card or small paper plate) for each person.