Introducing yourself is a fundamental social skill that helps children establish connections and build relationships. For PreK students, learning to introduce themselves sets the foundation for healthy social interactions. In this blog post, we will explore an easy, no-prep activity to teach this skill, discuss related skills, and provide discussion questions for further exploration.

Introduction

When we meet new people, one of the first things we do is introduce ourselves. This involves saying our names and learning the names of others. Without introductions, starting a conversation can be difficult and may lead to feelings of discomfort or exclusion. By teaching PreK students the importance of introducing themselves, we empower them to initiate conversations, make new friends, and create a sense of belonging for everyone involved.

No-Prep Activity: The Name Game

This activity requires no preparation or materials, making it an ideal choice for busy educators. It is a simple and fun way to practice introductions with young children.

1. Have the students sit in a circle.
2. Start by introducing yourself, saying your name, and performing a simple action (e.g., clapping your hands).
3. Ask the student to your left to introduce themselves by saying their name and performing the same action.
4. Continue moving clockwise around the circle, with each student repeating the names and actions of those who came before them.
5. Once the circle is complete, have the students practice introducing themselves to a partner using their names and a handshake or a wave.

This activity encourages students to practice saying their names, listening to others, and performing a simple social gesture. It also helps to build their memory and attention skills.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions to stimulate further discussion about the importance of introducing yourself:

1. Why is it important to introduce yourself when meeting new people?
2. How do you feel when someone doesn’t introduce themselves to you?
3. What are some different ways people can introduce themselves?
4. How can introducing yourself help you make new friends?
5. Why is it important to remember and use people’s names when talking to them?

Related Skills

Introducing yourself is just one of many essential social skills for PreK students. Other related skills include:

• Maintaining eye contact during conversations
• Taking turns in conversations and not interrupting others
• Using polite language and manners, such as saying “please” and “thank you”
• Showing empathy and understanding towards others’ feelings
• Recognizing and respecting personal boundaries

Next Steps

Now that you have learned about the importance of introducing yourself and explored a no-prep activity for teaching this skill, it’s time to put these ideas into practice. To access more resources and sample materials for teaching social-emotional learning skills to PreK students, sign up for free samples at Everyday Speech.