Step-by-Step Instructions
This name puzzle game transforms individual introductions into an engaging collaborative challenge. Crossword Names brings a fun icebreaker game to life through creative wordplay as names intersect and connect. Perfect as a unique name game, it naturally generates conversation and curiosity while participants discover visual connections between their names and those of their teammates.
Crossword Names – Name Puzzle Game
- In advance, visit the Resources tab to download a set of Print+Play alphabet letter cards, or make/collect your own.
- Lay these cards on a flat surface in front of your group, eg table or floor.
- Invite one volunteer to find the letters belonging to their first name and lay them side-by-side on the table/floor to spell their name.
- When ready, invite all group members to find the letters of their first name and lay them in a manner that they intersect and connect with the letters/names belonging to other people, ie crossword-style.
- Challenge your group to arrange all of the letters in a way that connects the names of everyone to the group.
- In conclusion, invite your group to review all of the names represented.
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On a recent workshop, it was the first time for me to see a space square with a heart drawn onto it. The group said this was about how ‘loved’ they felt as all their names were reflected on the wall; and that sometimes a loving thing to do with colleagues is to give them ‘space’, in whatever way, shape, or form. (“,)
Oh wow JeWElle, this is amazing. Such a simple activity yet so powerful a result. Well done for inspiring this.
thaaaaanks for this, mark.
verrrrry quickly – for diversity – with enough time – have learners choose their own colors, shapes and writing instruments, et al. these choices can be used in future sharing opportunities about:
1) reasons for choice
2) how the shapes, colors, et al represent them
3) other topics for diversity – same letters/different shapes, et al
I really appreciate how you have added a diversity angle to this activity, thanks for sharing JeWeL.
We’ve also added a ‘creatively directional’ angle – as a starting point, a crossword phrase or statement is placed in the middle of a wall/floor/table.
With the current project I’m supporting (data-driven development or 3D), we thought writing the name of the area plus ‘is 3D’ might help get the ball rolling, eg MELBOURNE IS 3D.
The spaces can be empty squares, or in one area, they put IS on one square.
All 10 areas we worked with wanted the challenge of putting all names on the board. Following this, we added a reflection question: What were some of the ways/methods we used to ensure that all names are reflected? Some responses that came up were – using full or nicknames, abbreviations (jr. for junior).
Enjoyyyyy!
Beautiful JeWElle, I always appreciate your creativity and willingness to share.