Who Am I?

Why Who Am I? works

Who Am I? gives the child a concrete way to practice clear language, connected ideas, and responsive listening once they begin by learning to give a broad clue about category or role. Figure out a secret person, animal or character from identity clues that become more specific over time. The next test is whether that experience helps when they are asked to add a clue about a distinctive trait.

Set up — Give a broad clue about category or role

No special materials are needed before the child is asked to give a broad clue about category or role. Arrange the space so the instruction to give a broad clue about category or role can happen cleanly before the child is asked to add a clue about a distinctive trait. Keep topics comfortable and family-safe; nobody has to reveal private information during that setup.

Step 2 — Add a clue about a distinctive trait

Use the result of asking the child to add a clue about a distinctive trait as a clue for the next decision. Do not move on to add a clue about something the secret identity does until this step has a clear purpose.

Step 3 — Add a clue about something the secret identity does

Ask the child to add a clue about something the secret identity does. Compare what happens with the earlier step to add a clue about a distinctive trait, then continue by asking them to allow one final guess once the difference is clear.

Step 4 — Allow one final guess

Let the child allow one final guess and treat the result as information rather than simple repetition. If it is unclear, repeat that action before asking them to switch roles and let the child choose the next identity.

Step 5 — Switch roles and let the child choose the next identity

One careful attempt to switch roles and let the child choose the next identity is enough at this stage. Before the child tries to switch roles and let the child choose the next identity, ask them to show or describe what differed from when they had to allow one final guess.

What to notice before Switch roles and let the child choose the…

Watch what happens after the child is asked to add a clue about something the secret identity does. A pause, correction, or question can be useful evidence of whether the words add useful information or keep the story and conversation coherent before they continue to allow one final guess.

Make Add a clue about something the secret… easier or harder

Keep difficulty tied to the decision around allow one final guess. First, use one familiar topic and shorter turns; later, change the audience, viewpoint, or language constraint, while preserving the reason the child eventually has to switch roles and let the child choose the next identity.

Finish after Switch roles and let the child choose the…

End after one confident attempt to switch roles and let the child choose the next identity. The child does not need extra repetition once that step connects with the earlier request to add a clue about a distinctive trait; explore the activity search or activity generator afterward.