Better Than BingoActivity slides
Better Than Bingo · Classroom Edition
Balloon Keep-Up
In small groups, keep one balloon off the floor using taps only—no catching or holding.
1–2 min1–100 peopleIndividual
Better Than BingoFacilitator view
Teacher prep · Do not project yet
Set the room up for success.
Materials
- One balloon per four or five students, or imaginary balloons
Before you begin
- Inflate balloons or decide to use the imaginary version
- Clear a safe tapping space
Better Than BingoFacilitator view
Teacher language · Do not project yet
What to say
“Your group has one job: keep the balloon off the floor for two minutes. Tap only—no catching, holding, diving, or bumping people.”
Better Than BingoFacilitator view
Teacher notes · Do not project yet
Keep it comfortable and useful.
Make room for everyone
- Use an imaginary balloon and commit to its location as a group.
- Keep the balloon within reach of seated students or use a lightweight scarf.
- Allow pointing or calling a teammate's name instead of touching the object.
Watch out for
- Check balloon-material restrictions and never allow diving, hitting, or competition between groups.
- Do not attach a lesson, reflection, or public share-out afterward.
- Announce the length, honor it, and move directly into the next task.
Better Than BingoGroup view
For students
Here’s what to do.
- 1
Make groups of four or five and give each group one balloon.
- 2
Start the timer and let students tap the balloon upward.
- 3
If it touches the floor, pick it up and restart immediately.
- 4
Stop at two minutes and put the balloon away without counting a score.