
1st Day of School – Name game Speedball
Name Game Speedball
- Example Round – Teacher models, as well as points to what is written on the board in the target language “My name is…” “What is your name?” and passes the ball to the student standing next to the teacher. This continues until everyone has been introduced. (If anyone laughs or makes fun of anyone immediately shut it down and emphasize that this is a safe and positive environment).
- Round 1 – Teacher says in the target language “My name is…” “What is your name?” and underhand tosses the ball to another student, first making eye contact. Tell students they need to remember who throws it to them, and who they throw to. This continues until everyone has been introduced. Repeat as many times as the class needs to get these phrases and the order down.
- Speed Round 1 – Here it is important to challenge the kids and play it up that you bet they can’t go through the whole order and beat a certain time or another classes’ record. I then ask for a timekeeper (who thinks it is awesome that they are getting to use their phone in class on day 1.) I record their new time each round on the board. This can keep going as long as there is high interest. The key is to end on a high note and keep them wanting more. To mix it up you can move to new phrases in Round 2 if they are catching on quickly.
Round 2 – Name Game Speedball
- Teacher models “his/her name is…” This round everyone will say “My name is…” “His/her name is…“ while making eye contact and tossing the ball to another student. This will continue until everyone has gotten it once. They will once again need to remember the order.
- Speed Round 2 – You can now see if you can beat your own time from the first speed round. Once again end on a high note and keep them wanting more.
- Optional challenge – See if anyone in the class can volunteer to name everyone. Give them a small treat if they can.
** Social Distancing Options
- Play outside in a very large circle. Have everyone wearing masks, sanitizing a ball, and hands before and after playing.
- Play at desks facing the front without a ball. Have everyone stand in front of their desk. Instead of a ball students play, throwing an imaginary pass or “passing the snap.” Or students could do a specific action and then pass it on.
Why Name Game Speedball?
What if we have some extra time at the end of class?
**More ideas for the 1st day of Spanish Class
How can I use this game beyond day 1?
Speedball could be used for future classes with many new get to know you phrases such as “I like” or “I am from,” while doing the Super 7 unit in Spanish (or now French!). It is a great brain break and students love getting to move and throw a ball. You could use higher level phrases in upper levels as well.
What to do Day 2?
On Day 2 of Spanish 1 we start our two week Super 7 present tense unit, using special persona interviews to continue building our positive classroom community.
What about Spanish 2 and above?
If you do not know the names of the class or they do not know each other, a quick round of name game speedball would still be great. You could mix it up that they say something more advanced like “My name is… & I went to…” Then you could move into my 1st Day Plans for Spanish 2, 3 or 4.
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What if I need to use digital learning to start the school year?


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