What is a name wheel?

A name wheel, also known as a rotating name selector, is an apparatus used to randomly choose the names of individuals in a group. It is a popular tool used by teachers, counselors, or hosts at parties or other events where games are played that involve calling out individuals' names. The name wheel consists of two parts: a round circle with slots around the edges and each slot holds a name card with one name printed on it; and a spinning handle.

When the handle is turned, the circle of name cards rotates and one person is randomly selected when the handle comes to a stop. This makes for an exciting way to randomly go through all of your participants' names in an entertaining manner. The Circle of Name Cards may also be set up around tables, booths or chairs so that an individual just has to point at it to make his selection as opposed to turning the handle of the traditional wheel.

Name wheels can make choosing names easy and efficient for any sized group. Some may have different colors or shapes printed on them making it visually appealing even when not spinning at full speed! Additionally, the game possibilities that stem from using the name wheel are endless. For younger children, there are simple games such as "pick-a-name" which requires participants to guess who was chosen by simply hitting stop on the spinning wheel. For older students or adults, more complex games can be created such as "red light-green light" where specific colors on the wheel must be stopped in order to advance players in their progression throughout the game.