Decorating Name Tags

Suggested Group(s): Preschool/Young/Middle/Teen

Purpose:

1. To learn each other's names and some things about their interests, favorite things, etc.
2. To express him/herself verbally and through art (Who am I? What do I like?)
3. To individualize the child through their own creativity.

Task/need: Group building, group structure

Activity Setup Ideas:

• Ask the children, "What makes you a unique person?" "What are your favorite colors, shapes, etc.?"
• Indicate that since each of the group members is unique, they should have the opportunity to make their nametags unique.

Materials:

• Nametags
• Markers
• Stickers — anything that fits on a nametag

Description: Don't underestimate how powerful the opportunity to decorate a nametag can be. Children can be encouraged to use their favorite colors, draw things they like to do on the nametag, draw their family, their favorite (whatever).

Activity Wrap Up Ideas:

• When they are finished, they can share their nametag with the group and describe what they drew.

Suggestions: Let children choose how they will decorate their nametags. Encourage group building by saying the children's names often and highlight information that children give out that suggests they have things in common with others. "Oh, so your favorite color is blue too" or "You enjoy watching sports just like John." Focus your comments and feedback on their efforts to express themselves rather than about how pretty or "good" their drawing is.