A Guide to the “Who Am I?" Game for Children with Learning Differences

Help your child develop critical thinking, social skills, and more through this fun, engaging game.

What Is the “Who Am I?” Game

The “Who Am I?” game, also known as the Tape Game, is a fun and interactive guessing game that encourages concentration, awareness, and problem-solving—skills that are especially beneficial for children with ADHD, autism, and other learning differences. The game is simple to play, requiring only painter’s tape and a marker, and can be easily adapted to suit different abilities. Here's how you can play it:

How Do You Play the “Who Am I?” Game

Each player gets a piece of tape attached to their forehead. On the tape, write the name of a famous person, character, animal, or historical figure. Make sure the names are something the players are likely to know based on their background or interests.

1. Gather your players.
The game is best played with at least two people, but it can accommodate more, making it ideal for family game night or as a fun party game.

2. Select a category.
Decide on the type of person to be guessed. This can be anything from a historical figure (e.g., Abraham Lincoln) to a fictional character (e.g., Harry Potter) or even a member of your family (e.g., your cousin).

3. Choose one player to start.
This player will think of a person (but not say it aloud).

4. Ask yes-or-no questions.
The other players take turns asking questions that can only be answered with “yes” or “no.” For example, "Is this person alive?" or "Is this person famous?": Players take turns asking yes-or-no questions to figure out who or what is written on their forehead. For example: “Am I a singer?” or “Am I alive?”If the answer is “Yes,” the player can continue asking questions. If the answer is “No,” the next player takes their turn.

5. Keep guessing!
Players can make a guess about their identity at any time, but they must be careful—guessing incorrectly means they lose their turn. Once a player guesses correctly, they can rip off the tape from their forehead in celebration! Players continue asking questions until they think they have enough information to guess the person. The game can be as fast or slow as the players need, depending on how challenging you want it to be.

6. The correct answer wins.
The game continues until all players have guessed their identity correctly. The player who guesses first wins the round!

20 Question Ideas for the “Who Am I?” Game

Here are some great questions to ask during the game. These questions can be adapted based on the child's developmental level or the complexity of the person they’re guessing:

These questions can be adjusted in complexity based on your child's level of understanding, making the game a versatile tool for engagement and learning!

1. Am I a fictional character?
2. Am I famous for something in sports?
3. Am I an animal or insect?
4. Am I an actor or actress?
5. Am I known for music?
6. Am I a character in a Disney movie?
7. Am I a historical figure?
8. Am I a scientist?
9. Am I a writer or author?
10. Am I known for my role in a TV show?
11. Am I a superhero?
12. Do I live in the water?
13. Do I have fur?
14. Am I a scientist known for an invention?
15. Am I an athlete?
16. Do I live in the jungle?
17. Do I have a famous catchphrase?
18. Am I a cartoon character?
19. Am I a politician?
20. Am I president?

These questions help narrow down the possibilities and allow players to use reasoning and logic to figure out who or what they are. The questions can be modified based on the players’ knowledge or interests to ensure that everyone has fun and stays engaged.

How Does “Who Am I?” Game Help Children with Learning Differences 

This game is ideal for children with ADHD, autism, and other learning differences because it helps to develop several important skills in an engaging way:

ADHD

For children with ADHD, maintaining attention and focus can be a challenge. The “Who Am I?” game encourages kids to concentrate on one thing at a time and actively listen to questions, encouraging mindfulness. By providing a structured but flexible format, it can help improve focus in a way that feels like play. It also teaches patience, as players must wait for their turn and think before they speak. The game requires players to control their impulses and promotes self-regulation, preventing them from blurting out answers or giving hints to others, encouraging children to figure out the best way to ask questions that will narrow down possibilities. 

Autism

Children with autism often struggle with social interaction and understanding others' perspectives. The “Who Am I?” game is an excellent tool to practice social skills in a low-pressure environment. It encourages kids to think about how other people might view or recognize certain traits and features, promoting empathy and understanding. It also helps with communication and can teach turn-taking and nonverbal cues, such as when to ask or answer questions. Children with Autism may be especially fond of this game as it allows their exceptional abilities and interests to shine. 

Language-Disordered

For children with language difficulties, “Who Am I?” can help strengthen vocabulary development and language skills. The game encourages children to ask clear and precise questions, making them think critically about how to phrase their inquiries. This practice with language helps with sentence formation, categorizing information, question-asking, and listening skills—critical components in effective communication.

What Are Other Activities for Children with Learning Differences 

In addition to the “Who Am I?” game, there are several other activities that can be beneficial for children with learning differences. These activities focus on improving various skills like problem-solving, language development, and social interactions.

1. Board Games: Games like “Guess Who?” or “The Game of Life” can be just as fun and offer opportunities for learning. These games support social interaction, problem-solving, and patience.

2. Memory Games: Games that improve memory and concentration are also helpful for children with ADHD. Games like “Concentration” or “Simon Says” build memory and focus in a playful way.

3. Storytelling Activities: Encourage children to tell or create stories. This can be as simple as drawing pictures and narrating them aloud, or acting out scenes with family members. Storytelling builds language skills and creativity.

4. Creative Arts: Activities such as painting, drawing, and playing music support children with autism and ADHD by giving them a way to express themselves, while also improving focus and motor skills.

5. Physical Activity: Regular exercise helps children with learning differences improve their concentration and mental clarity. Activities like yoga, dance, or even simple breathing exercises can stimulate brain function and improve mood.

Where Can I Get More Help

If you’re looking for additional support for your child with a learning difference, Handspring Health offers consultations with licensed therapists. Our team can provide personalized advice and strategies to help your child thrive both at home and in school. Whether it’s understanding more about ADHD, autism, language disorders, or other learning differences, we are here to guide you through each step.

Schedule a free consultation with a licensed Handspring therapist today and get expert advice tailored to your child's unique needs.
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