Get to Know You Games for Children
Even the most outgoing child can clam up around a group of unfamiliar people. Children can also become fast friends, with a little help. For the first day of school or camp, come armed with games that help children get to know one another. Even sharing small details like favorite foods helps children bond.
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Memory
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Bring a group of three or four children to the front of the room. Ask each child to say his name, then point to each child and ask the rest of the group to repeat each name. Go back to the first child and ask his favorite color. Repeat this with each member of the group, then again point to each child and have the group shout out his name and favorite color. Repeat this process, finding out each child's favorite movie, food, books and so forth. Once the list gets too long for the group to remember, bring up a new group.
Two Truths and a Lie
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Children can get creative with this get-to-know-you game. With all the children gathered together, ask each child to think of two true things about herself and one thing that's not true. These statements can be anything from "my favorite color is green" to "I swam with dolphins while wearing a pirate hat." One at a time, each child shares her two truths and a lie. The other children then guess which statements are true and which one is pretend.
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Toss and Tell
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Gather the children in a circle. Hold a soft ball in your hands and say your name. Toss the ball to a child across the circle and have him say his name, then pass the ball to another child. Once everyone has held the ball and introduced himself, start another round of ball passing and have each child share an interesting fact about himself. You can do this same activity with a ball of yarn instead of a ball. Hold one end of the yarn, then throw the ball across the circle. Each child holds onto the yarn before throwing the ball on. At the end, you'll have created a web of yarn.
Scavenger Hunt
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Encourage children to speak to every one of their new friends with a human scavenger hunt. Write out a list of characteristics that children are likely to have. For instance, "has an older sister," "was born in September" or "loves to eat pizza." Print out this list and give each child a copy. Children must then find one person who fits each item, then write the person's name down. No child can use the same person for more than one item.
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References
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