If Your Name Is…

Fingerplays & Songs

A name song to support sense of self, name recognition, and movement.

This song helps children learn…

Their own name

Recognizing and responding when their name is called.

Listening for a cue

Stopping and sitting on the signal builds self-regulation.

Gross motor control

Jumping, stomping, and balancing with body awareness.

Belonging in a group

Waiting for a turn and celebrating each friend.

Sing It

If your name is
jump up and down, jump up and down, jump up and down.

If your name is
jump up and down. And sit, right back down.

KA-BOOM!

Sing one child's name at a time so everyone gets a turn. Drop your voice low on “and sit, right back down”, then shout the KA-BOOM together.

wiggle all around

stomp your feet

clap your hands

spin around

tiptoe in place

touch your toes

Try This

Sing two names at once for children who are waiting. Use the first letter instead — “If your name starts with M…” — to sneak in letter sounds.

Watch For

Children who recognize their own name, wait for their turn, and stop moving on the cue.

No materials needed · 3–5 minutes · Community meeting, transitions, or outdoors

The Nest Schools