Let’s Go on a Safari: A Game to Learn Your Students’ Names

By Thomas LeGalley, National Career and College Readiness Specialist

Safari leaders, unite! Ready for the wildest safari adventure of your teaching career? We’re going on a safari — not in the jungle, but right here in our classroom! It’s a name game called “Let’s Go on a Safari,” the most fun way to learn and memorize your students’ names. Grab your binoculars and bug spray, and let’s get started!

1. Introduction: Welcome to the Wild!

Tell the students they are all going on a pretend safari together. Picture this: a classroom full of lions, tigers, and bears — oh my! Explain that some animals can come on the safari and others cannot. If they start to understand the secret, they should keep it to themselves for more fun.

2. Start with Your Name: The Safari Leader

Begin with yourself. Say your name and an animal you’re bringing on the safari that starts with the same letter as your name. For example, “I’m LeGalley, and I’m bringing a Lemur on our safari.” The kids then say, “Hello, LeGalley.” Show them how it’s done with flair — maybe a tiger roar or a paw swipe!

3. Pass the Safari: Tag, You’re It!

After your turn, the student next to you continues. They must say their name and an animal that starts with the same letter. For example, “I’m Jason, and I’m bringing a jaguar.” Everyone says, “Hello, Jason!”

4. Repeat and Expand: The Safari Grows!

Each student repeats the names and animals of all previous participants and adds their own. Imagine the excitement! “Tara has a tiger, Jason has a jaguar, and I’m Lily with a lion!” The safari grows wilder with every name.

5. Uh oh, Some Animals are NOT Allowed: Animal Calamity!

If a student says a name and animal that does NOT use the first letter of their name, they can’t join the safari. This will shock and amuse them, leading to lots of laughter. Ensure those who understand the trick keep it secret.

6. Continue Until Everyone Participates: Full Safari Circle

Keep the safari going until every student has had a turn. Watch out for giggles and wild animal impressions — it’s all part of the fun!

Tips for Success:

• Encourage Participation: Let them know everyone will have a turn.
• Repeat Often: Repetition helps cement names and animals in memory.
• Support and Encouragement: Cheer them on with positivity and “Roar-some!” comments.
• Be Patient: Some might need more time to recall names and animals. Give them space to shine at their own pace.

Benefits:

• Memorization: Helps memorize students’ names by associating each name with a unique animal.
• Engagement: A fun and interactive way to kick off the year, breaking the ice and getting everyone involved.
• Learning Names: Students learn each other’s names through repetition and participation, building a sense of community.

So there you have it, folks! “Let’s Go on a Safari” is your ticket to a name-memorizing, team-building extravaganza. Now go out there and turn your classroom into the wildest, most unforgettable safari ever! Happy teaching, everyone!

For more tips from Thomas, check out our YouTube series:

Thomas LeGalley is the National AP/ Electives/ CTE Specialist with McGraw Hill. He has been with McGraw Hill since 2016. Currently, Thomas can be found conducting Professional Development trainings, or working with teachers delivering product presentations across the U.S. Getting meaningful teacher feedback helps to make McGraw Hill better. THANK YOU EDUCATORS!

His most recent work has focused on developing and sharing digitally-forward blended learning instruction, working closely with many teachers and McGraw Hill teams.

Thomas received his MFA from Southern Methodist University with 9 years teaching in the high school classroom. Teaching and working with educators is the joy of his life!