Catch Your Name

SEL Domain(s): Relationship Building

Relational Risk: Low

Grades: K-3

*Lesson may need to be modified to meet the specific needs of students

Description:

A fun and active circle game where students build connection and listening skills by learning each other’s names through ball tosses, name calls, and playful movement.

Materials

• Large soft ball

• Music player and lively music

• Lesson script

Steps:

Round 1: Catch Your Name

1. Gather students in a circle.

2. Stand in the center and explain the game.

3. Toss the ball to each student one at a time. When they catch it, they say their name out loud and toss it back to you.

4. Repeat for a few rounds to help everyone get comfortable and learn names.

5. Invite students to take turns tossing the ball to each other while saying their own names.

Round 2: Throw It to a Friend

1. Once most students know each other's names, form a circle again.

2. One student starts by calling out a classmate’s name and throwing the ball to them.

3. The next student repeats—saying a different name and tossing the ball.

4. Continue until all students have been included. Support students to ensure everyone gets a turn.

Round 3: Catch Your Name and Boogie

1. Keep the circle and invite one student to stand in the center.

2. The student tosses the ball high into the air while calling out a classmate’s name.

3. The named student runs to the center to catch the ball.

4. That student then leads a simple movement (e.g., jump, wiggle, spin), and the whole class follows.

5. Play music in the background to make it lively and fun.

6. Repeat with new students taking turns in the center.

Modifications for Younger Students:

• Have students sit and roll the ball instead of throwing it.

• Slow down the pace and provide more modeling if needed.