Better Than BingoActivity slides
Better Than Bingo · Classroom Edition
Ninety Seconds of Nothing
Lights down, phones away, no talking, no assignment—just an actual ninety-second break.
1–2 min1–100 peopleIndividual
Better Than BingoFacilitator view
Teacher prep · Do not project yet
Set the room up for success.
Materials
- None
Before you begin
- Dim lights if safe
- Set a silent ninety-second timer
Better Than BingoFacilitator view
Teacher language · Do not project yet
What to say
“This is ninety seconds of nothing. No phones, talking, assignment, breathing directions, or reflection. Heads down or not—your choice. I will tell you when it ends.”
Better Than BingoFacilitator view
Teacher notes · Do not project yet
Keep it comfortable and useful.
Make room for everyone
- Heads stay up or down by choice; eyes stay open or closed by choice.
- Students may doodle silently if stillness is uncomfortable.
- Maintain any required sensory, medical, or communication access.
Watch out for
- Do not rename it mindfulness, add a reflection, or use it as punishment for a noisy class.
- 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
Put phones and work materials down.
- 2
Choose any comfortable seated posture.
- 3
Keep the room quiet for ninety seconds.
- 4
When the timer ends, give one clear direction for the next task.