Ice Breaker Games Ice Breaker Games
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#32 Easy

Name Grab

Stick everyone's names on random people's backs - they have to find their own while protecting theirs from being seen. Combines name learning with physical comedy and laughter.

classroom teens names movement energizer fun learning-names

Group Size:

10-30 people

Duration:

5-10 minutes

Difficulty:

Easy

How to Play:

Name Grab - How to Play
  1. 1

    Write each person's name on a sticky note or piece of tape. Make sure handwriting is clear

  2. 2

    Randomly stick one name on each person's back - not their own name

  3. 3

    On 'go', everyone moves around trying to read names on other people's backs while protecting their own back

  4. 4

    When someone finds their name, they grab it and stick it on their chest. They can keep helping others find theirs

  5. 5

    Game ends when everyone has found their name, or set a 5-minute timer

Name Grab

A brilliant way to learn names that actually sticks in memory. The physical comedy of people spinning around trying to protect their backs while peeking at others creates instant bonding and laughter.

This works so well because it combines multiple memory anchors - movement, laughter, and the thrill of the hunt. Plus, everyone’s equal in the chaos regardless of personality type.

Best For:

Learning names in new groups, energizer with movement, ice breaker for shy groups, building comfort with physical proximity, getting people laughing

Pro Tips

  • Demonstrate first by showing how to protect your back while trying to peek at others

  • Set boundaries about physical contact - no grabbing, just strategic positioning

  • For large groups, split into two teams and time which team finishes first

  • Use different colored sticky notes for different teams if playing competitively

  • Once someone finds their name, they become a helper and can give hints to others

Variations

  • Partner version: Pairs work together, each has the other's name on their back

  • Celebrity names: Use famous people instead of participant names for pure fun

  • Clue mode: Along with names, add one fact about that person. Finders share the fact when they get their name

  • Team challenge: Split into groups, each group tries to collect all their members' names fastest

FAQ

What are the boundaries for physical contact?
Set clear rules: no grabbing or touching others, only strategic positioning and movement. Safety first.
What if sticky notes keep falling off?
Use painter's tape or safety pins as alternatives. Make sure they're secure but easy to remove.
How do I make this work with a large group?
Split into teams of 10-15 people. Run it as a race to see which team finishes first.

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