Singing Name Game for Groups

Nothing at all — just voices and people

Sit in a circle with family members or friends. Even just two people sitting face to face works.

Start by singing your own name to a simple melody: "My name is Ma-ma!" Clap on each syllable.

Clap the syllables of each person's name: "Em-i-ly" gets three claps, "Sam" gets one, "Da-ddy" gets two.

Try the classic Name Game song: "Sam, Sam, bo-bam, banana-fana fo-fam, fee-fi-mo-mam, Sam!"

Go around the circle so everyone gets a turn hearing their name sung. Each person is the star for a moment.

Sing names in silly voices: high like a mouse, low like a bear, fast like a chipmunk, slow like a sloth.

End by chanting everyone's names in one long chain as fast as you can without messing up.

Clapping name syllables is actually phonological awareness practice — breaking words into sound segments. This is a pre-reading skill.

Kids adore hearing their own name in a song. It makes them feel seen and celebrated. This is a confidence builder.

The Banana Song ("The Name Game" by Shirley Ellis) is universally entertaining and easy to learn. Look it up if you don't know it.

Try adding movements for each name: Sam gets a jump, Emily gets a spin. This links names to actions and builds memory.

This is a perfect circle time activity for playdates or family gatherings. It's also a great icebreaker when kids don't know each other yet.