Skill Level
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Learner Outcomes
- Learn more about their program peers.
- Explore personal identity.
- Foster a sense of group belonging.
Life Skills
Communication, cooperation, social skills, conflict resolution, accepting differences, character, teamwork, sharing
Time
10 minutes
Materials
- Group Bingo Board handout for each youth
- Pens or pencils
- A hard surface for writing
Space
Open area for walking around
Introduction
It can be difficult to feel comfortable around people we do not know. This activity gives youth the opportunity to get to know one another and get moving, all in a lively atmosphere. It also allows youth to practice active listening as they inquire more about their peers’ interests. The bingo board should be available as a word document that can be edited, feel free to adapt the bingo board statements to what best fits your group.
Before the Activity
- Print copies of Group Bingo Board handout
- Decide how you would like to “end” the game. Options could include:
•Try to get as many spaces filled in a set amount of time.
•Try to get “Bingo” (filling out four consecutive boxes either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally).
•If you have a large enough group, it can be ideal to fill the entire board. This provides more opportunity for interaction.
Activity
Opening Questions
Choose questions suitable for the group, if appropriate pose the question to set the tone and do not seek an answer.
- Who are your program peers?
- How can we connect with one another?
Experience
- Give each learner a Group Bingo Board handout.
- Explain the guidelines:
•Ask the youth to find people in the group for whom the sheet’s statements are true.
•Share that only one person’s name can fill a single box and that someone’s name can only appear on a single board once. Give an example: If you write down Summaiyah’s name for “Likes to dance,” you cannot write down Imani’s name for the same box. You also cannot write down Summaiyah’s name in any other box.
•Describe how the game will end, options could include: get as many spaces filled in a set amount of time; get “Bingo” (filling out four consecutive boxes either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally); fill the entire board. - Play the game, celebrate the “winners” with cheers, high fives, and fist bumps!
Reflection Questions (choose a few that work best for your group)
- What did it feel like to play group bingo?
- Did you learn something about the group or your peers that surprised you?
- What do you have in common with your fellow group members?
- Where else in your life have you been surprised to learn about someone’s interests?
- How do you feel about working with this group?
Variations
- Prizes could be offered as a fun way to encourage participation.
Acknowledgements
Originally written by: Christine Hadekel