Name Juggle

Program Contact

Autumn Britt, 4-H Program Manager
509-588-7817 • autumn.britt@wsu.edu

Need a quick way for your 4-Hers to start learning names? Try this quick icebreaker to get the ball rolling!

This activity takes 3-5 minutes and is flexible for large or small groups of participants.

Have everyone make a circle. Toss a soft ball (or something tossable like a small stuffed animal) around the circle, person by person, with everyone saying their own name when they catch the ball. Ensure everyone gets a turn, and repeat as needed to learn names. This can be done standing or sitting.
Next, challenge the group by having the person with the ball say the name of the person they are throwing to. Model asking someone what their name is (or how to say it) as needed. Ensure everyone gets a turn, and ask members to toss to someone new in each round. Repeat as needed to learn names.
After everyone is fairly familiar with names, add a second ball and then another. With two or more balls being tossed across the circle and names being called out, it will be chaotic and fun!