Better Than BingoActivity slides
Better Than Bingo · Classroom Edition
The Stare Down
Try not to laugh, smile, or look away while facing a partner for ninety seconds.
1–2 min1–100 peopleIndividual
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Teacher prep · Do not project yet
Set the room up for success.
Materials
- None
Before you begin
- Set a visible timer
- Choose the seated or low-visibility option you will offer
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Teacher language · Do not project yet
What to say
“Face a willing partner. First person to laugh, smile, or look away loses. No touching, sounds, faces, or comments—just the stare. Looking at a fixed point instead is always an option.”
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Teacher notes · Do not project yet
Keep it comfortable and useful.
Make room for everyone
- Offer a fixed-point challenge: stare at a dot, object, or camera lens instead of a person.
- Eye contact is never required.
- Students may time, observe, or pass without explanation.
Watch out for
- Never require eye contact; stop teasing, gestures, faces, or personal comments immediately.
- 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
Pair students who both choose to participate.
- 2
Start a thirty-second silent round.
- 3
Match winners with winners for a second round if the room can transition quickly.
- 4
Stop at ninety seconds with no final champion required.