Introduction

Introducing oneself is a crucial skill that students will use throughout their lives. In various situations, such as at school, during job interviews, or when meeting new people, knowing how to properly introduce oneself can help create a positive first impression. In this blog post, we will explore an easy, no-prep activity that educators can use to teach elementary students the art of introducing themselves to adults. We will also provide discussion questions and related skills to further enhance their learning experience.

No-Prep Activity: The Name Game

This simple and engaging activity requires no preparation or materials and can be easily adapted for different age groups. The goal is to help students practice saying their names, repeating the names of others, and using polite phrases when meeting someone new.

1. Have the students form a circle, standing or sitting.
2. Start the activity by introducing yourself as the teacher, saying your name and a fun fact about yourself (e.g., “I’m Ms. Johnson, and I love to bake cookies.”)
3. Ask the student to your left to introduce themselves, saying their name and a fun fact about themselves (e.g., “Hi, I’m Sarah, and I have a pet hamster.”)
4. Continue moving clockwise around the circle, with each student introducing themselves and sharing a fun fact.
5. After each student has introduced themselves, ask the students to say “Nice to meet you” and practice a firm, yet gentle handshake with their neighbors.

By participating in this activity, students will become more comfortable with introducing themselves and using polite phrases when meeting new people. The added fun fact helps create a more engaging and memorable experience for the students.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important to introduce ourselves properly to others, especially adults?
2. How can repeating someone’s name help us remember it better?
3. What other polite phrases can we use when meeting new people?
4. Why is a firm handshake important, and how can we practice giving a good handshake?
5. Can you think of a situation where you introduced yourself and felt proud of how you did it? Share your experience.

Related Skills

Along with learning how to introduce themselves, students can benefit from developing other related social-emotional skills. Some of these skills include:

• Active listening: Paying attention to the speaker, making eye contact, and nodding to show understanding.
• Nonverbal communication: Using body language, facial expressions, and gestures to convey thoughts and feelings without words.
• Building rapport: Developing trust and positive relationships with others through shared interests and experiences.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, making it easier to connect and communicate effectively.

Next Steps

Now that you have an idea of how to teach elementary students the important skill of introducing themselves, it’s time to explore more social-emotional learning activities and resources. Visit Everyday Speech to sign up for free sample materials that will help you teach a wide range of essential skills to your students. These resources will not only help them become more confident and effective communicators but also contribute to their overall personal and social development.