Introduction
When we meet new people, it’s important to introduce ourselves. This simple yet essential skill lays the foundation for building relationships and fostering effective communication. By teaching kindergarten students how to introduce themselves, we can help them develop good social habits and boost their confidence in interacting with others.
No-Prep Activity: The Name Game
This activity requires no materials or preparation and can be easily implemented in the classroom. Have the students sit in a circle and choose one student to start. The first student will say their name and an adjective that starts with the same letter as their name (e.g., “Kind Katie”). The next student will repeat the previous name and adjective, then add their own name and adjective (e.g., “Kind Katie, Jolly John”). The game continues around the circle, with each student repeating all previous names and adjectives before adding their own. The objective is to help students remember each other’s names while practicing the skill of introducing themselves.
Discussion Questions
- Why is it important to introduce ourselves when we meet new people?
- What are some things we can do to make our introduction more friendly and inviting?
- How can we remember someone’s name after they’ve introduced themselves to us?
- What are some situations where we might need to introduce ourselves?
- How does introducing ourselves help us build relationships with others?
Related Skills
Besides introducing themselves, there are other essential social skills that kindergarten students can benefit from, such as:
- Maintaining eye contact during conversations
- Using polite language and good manners
- Listening actively and showing empathy
- Asking questions and engaging in conversation
- Understanding and respecting personal boundaries
Next Steps
Teaching kindergarten students the art of introducing themselves is just the beginning. To help your students continue developing their social-emotional skills, sign up for free sample materials at Everyday Speech. Discover a wealth of resources designed to support educators in fostering a positive learning environment and nurturing well-rounded students.
