Better Than BingoActivity slides
Better Than Bingo · Activity Slides
Three Things on My Desk
Choose three nearby objects that tell a tiny, optional story about how you work or what matters to you.
8–12 min3–50 peopleSmall groups
Better Than BingoActivity slides
Better Than Bingo · Activity Slides
Three Things on My Desk
Choose three nearby objects that tell a tiny, optional story about how you work or what matters to you.
8–12 min3–50 peopleSmall groups
Better Than BingoFacilitator view
Facilitator prep · Do not project yet
Set the room up for success.
Materials
- Three nearby objects per person, or a shared basket of classroom supplies
Before you begin
- Tell participants they may use nearby objects, photos, words, or three items from a supply basket
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Facilitator language · Do not project yet
What to say
“Choose three ordinary objects that say something tiny about how you work, what you enjoy, or what you hope for this year. You may also invent a ridiculous meaning for any object you would rather keep private.”
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Facilitator notes · Do not project yet
Keep it comfortable and useful.
Make room for everyone
- Offer words, drawings, photos, or supplied objects as alternatives.
- Keep personal explanations optional.
- Do not make assumptions about ownership, cost, family, or why an object matters.
Watch out for
- Do not ask participants to reveal why they avoided an object or prompt.
- Keep the activity in small groups so objects do not become stage props.
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For the group
Here’s what to do.
- 1
Give participants one minute to choose three objects or alternatives.
- 2
Form groups of three or four.
- 3
Each person gets up to two minutes to explain their objects.
- 4
Listeners may ask one curious, non-probing question.
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For the group
Keep going.
- 5
End by asking groups to identify one object that could be their temporary table mascot.
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Prompt 01
An object that makes the day easier
Take a moment to think. Passing or writing instead is always okay.
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Prompt 02
An object connected to something you value
Take a moment to think. Passing or writing instead is always okay.
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Prompt 03
An object that represents a hope for the year
Take a moment to think. Passing or writing instead is always okay.
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Prompt 04
An object with a completely invented backstory
Take a moment to think. Passing or writing instead is always okay.
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Wrap it up
One last thought.
- What detail helped you remember someone new?
- What did the objects reveal about the many ways people work?