This
is a simple activity to get group members to know the names of their
colleagues. You can carry out this activity in a closed or open space.
The activity will help the group to overcome the first worrying moments
when they don't know their colleagues names. The coordinator's role is
very important to add dynamics to the activity, encouraging the group's
participation. Applicable to new groups.
- OBJECTIVE.- To get the group members to know the names of their colleagues.
- MATERIALS NEEDED.- Whiteboard or panel to write on, pens, a chair per person.
- AGE.- Any.
HOW TO DEVELOP THE
ACTIVITY.- You need to have the members sat in a semicircle, they can
then go up to the whiteboard and write their name. After doing
this, they can comment on a few aspects of their life, like their age,
place of birth, hobbies, etc. Even though he has already introduced
himself, the coodinator should be the first to carry out the activity,
setting an example a to what every member of the group should say. It
is a good idea to have the group continue with the order that they are
sat in, as if the order is voluntary you will always have the timid
ones last.-
VARIANTS.- You don't
necessarily need a white board, you can do this with the group sat in a
circle. You can also carry out this task standing up, this will add
intensity to the exercise.
THINGS TO CONSIDER.- It is an
activity recommended for medium sized groups (no more than 15 people)
as if the group is too beg the activity will be tiring.
12.b) DO YOU LIKE YOUR NEIGHBOURS?
This
is a classic game and well know amongst youth group animators. It is a
simple, fun and useful game for children. You don't need a los of time
to carry out this activity.
- OBJECTIVE.- To make the group members familiar with the names of their colleagues.
- NECESSARY MATERIALS.- Chairs. You nees one chair per person.
- AGE.- Up to 10 years old.
- HOW
THE TASK DEVELOPS.- Members of the group sit in a circle on the
available chairs; everyone except one person who remains standing in
the middle of the circle. The person that is in the centre, (it would
be a good idea if at first this person was the coordinator to explain
the task) picks on one member of the group and asks him a question:
What are your neighbours names? Do you like your neighnours?
The person asked the questions has to respond with the names of
the people sitting next to him. If he does nos respond correctly he has
to stand in the centre. If he responds correctly(my neighbours are
Isaac and Noelia, for example) he can continue by saying: yes I like my neighbours but I would prefer then to be Daniel and Maria
(refering to two other members of the group). In this moment, Daniel
and Maria have to occupy the places of Isaac and Noelia and the person
in the middle will try and sit next to the person he has been asking
the questions to, therefore Daniel and Maria will be without anywhere
to sit and will have to go into the centre.
The
person that is in the middle, either because he has made a mistake with
the name of this neighnours or because he has nowhere to sit will ask
another member of the group the same questions (What are the names of
your neighbours? Do you like your neighbours?) thus the game continues.
- VARIANTS.- Once the child responds and gets the names right. He can say, yes I like my neighbours but I want to know more neighbours.
At this time all of the group members have to get up and change place.
The person that doesn't have a seat will have to be in the middle.
