Better Than BingoActivity slides
Better Than Bingo · Classroom Edition
Salad Bowl
Guess the same class-created clues through description, one word, and silent action.
22–30 min8–36 peopleTeams
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Teacher prep · Do not project yet
Set the room up for success.
Materials
- Identical paper slips
- Bowl or container
- Timer
Before you begin
- Define allowed clue categories
- Pre-screen every slip
- Prepare nonperformance roles such as timer, scorekeeper, or clue reader
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Teacher language · Do not project yet
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.”
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Teacher notes · Do not project yet
Keep it comfortable and useful.
Make room for everyone
- Offer nonacting roles and visual clue alternatives.
- Read slips aloud when needed.
- Remove clues that depend on niche culture, language, or embarrassing knowledge gaps.
Watch out for
- Screen clues before play.
- Prevent shouting over, mocking, or blaming a clue-giver.
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For students
Here’s what to do.
- 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.
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For students
Keep going.
- 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.
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Prompt 01
Familiar object
Take a moment to think. Passing or writing instead is always okay.
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Prompt 02
Well-known fictional character
Take a moment to think. Passing or writing instead is always okay.
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Prompt 03
School-safe place
Take a moment to think. Passing or writing instead is always okay.
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Prompt 04
Animal
Take a moment to think. Passing or writing instead is always okay.
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Prompt 05
Teacher-approved public figure
Take a moment to think. Passing or writing instead is always okay.
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Wrap it up
One last thought.
- Why did later rounds work with so little information?
- How did the team make guessing easier for one another?