Name Warp Speed

Introduction:

The objective of this activity is to get to know members of the group and do it in a fun way.

Spatial Requirements: Classroom with moderate space required
Activity Type: Movement/group
Grades: K-12
Group size: 10 or more
Time: 5 minutes

• 1 stopwatch

Have the group form a circle. Challenge the group to go around the circle and say their name, in order, as fast as they can. Select a starting person and an ending person. Start the timer on the starting person and let the group know the ending time. Challenge the group to beat their time on round two. On the third round, ask the group if there is anything else that they can do to shorten the time. After the group has come up with several options (like holding hands and squeezing your partner’s hands as soon as you say your name, standing closer together, more focus/concentration, etc.), have them try to beat their old record. Hopefully they will improve each time. On the final round, say, “I’ll bet we can do it under two seconds.” Have one of the facilitators stand in the middle of the group and say, “I will spin around as fast as I can. When I point to you, say your name.” Time the final round and share the results.

• When I said that we could do it less than two seconds, how many of you thought it was impossible?
• Did we improve each time?
• What do we mean when we say to think outside the box?