Energize · Just for Fun · Encourage Collaboration
Salad Bowl
Guess the same class-created clues through description, one word, and silent action.
Time22–30 minutes
Group size8–36 people
FormatTeams, Whole group
MaterialsIdentical paper slips, Bowl or container, Timer
What this accomplishes
Middle school teams reuse the same screened clue slips across three increasingly constrained rounds, so memory and shared references make each round more fun.
- Build shared class references
- Collaborate under changing communication constraints
Before you begin
Materials
- Identical paper slips
- Bowl or container
- Timer
Preparation
- Define allowed clue categories
- Pre-screen every slip
- Prepare nonperformance roles such as timer, scorekeeper, or clue reader
What to say
“Use familiar, school-appropriate clues. You may contribute as a guesser, clue-giver, timer, reader, or scorekeeper. Nobody has to act in front of the room.”
How to run it
- 1
Each student submits one to three screened clues.
- 2
Split the class into two teams and explain all three rounds.
- 3
Round one allows description without saying the clue.
- 4
Return all slips to the bowl; round two allows only one word.
- 5
Return them again; round three uses silent action or a teacher-approved visual clue.
- 6
Stop after the third round while the energy is still high.
Prompts to use
Familiar object
Well-known fictional character
School-safe place
Animal
Teacher-approved public figure
Adapt it to the room
Small group
Play cooperatively and count how many total clues the group solves.
Large group
Use several bowls at table teams.
Virtual
Use a teacher-managed digital clue deck in breakout teams.
Accessibility & inclusion
- Offer nonacting roles and visual clue alternatives.
- Read slips aloud when needed.
- Remove clues that depend on niche culture, language, or embarrassing knowledge gaps.
Debrief, if useful
Why did later rounds work with so little information?
How did the team make guessing easier for one another?
Why it works—and what can go wrong
Why it works
Repeated clues build a collective memory, and changing constraints reward flexible communication rather than a single type of performance.
Watch out for
- Screen clues before play.
- Prevent shouting over, mocking, or blaming a clue-giver.