If you are an English as Second Language (ESL) teacher and would like to easily learn your students' names, then you will want to play a name game. The students will benefit since they will practice introductions as well as learn the names of their classmates. You can play this game at any class level. The game works best in a class of 20 to 25 students, but larger groups can be divided into groups. The game is fun and helps promote bonding among members of the class.

Instruct the students to put away pencils and pens, and close their notebooks. They also should hide name tags if they use them. Have the students form a circle so that they can see each other.

Introduce yourself to the first student with words similar to these: "Hello. I'm Mrs. Jones. What's your name?"

Instruct the first student to give her name. She may say, "I'm Maria Perez."

Respond by saying, "I'm glad to meet you." The response can be a variation of this.

Instruct the student, Maria, to say, "I'm glad to meet you, too" or "I'm happy to meet you, too."

Ask Maria to introduce you and herself to the next student, beginning with you, the teacher. She should say, "This is my teacher, Mrs. Jones, and I'm Maria Perez. What's your name?"

Explain to the second student how to respond. He should say: "I'm Sam Wu. I'm happy to meet you." Then Maria should say, "I'm happy to meet you, too."

Ask the second student, Sam, to introduce you, then Maria, and then himself to the student next to him. Continue around the class with each student introducing the teacher and then all the previous students in order, as in a chain game. Each student introduces herself last. If necessary, help students remember who to name next by signaling with your hand.

Ask the last student in the chain to repeat everyone's name. Allow help as needed. Lead applause after the last student has finished so that everyone can enjoy a job well done. Lead the class in one more round as everyone repeats the names of the teacher and all the students. You may be amazed at how many names you and your students will remember after playing this name game.