Find Someone Who Game (Human Bingo) Activity for Teaching ESL and Languages
Find Someone Who is a lively and interactive ESL activity that encourages students to practice speaking and listening while moving around the classroom. Using a bingo-style sheet with different statements or characteristics, students mingle to find classmates who match the descriptions, fostering communication and helping break the ice.
Aim
To practice asking and answering questions in English, improve speaking and listening skills, and promote interaction among students.
Preparation
Prepare or print bingo sheets with various statements or prompts related to students’ interests, abilities, or experiences. Examples include “Find someone who has a pet,” “Find someone who likes pizza,” or “Find someone who can play a musical instrument.” Make sure there is a good variety to encourage conversation.
Materials
- Bingo sheets (one per student)
- Pens or pencils
Setup
- Give each student a bingo sheet and a pen or pencil.
- Explain the rules and demonstrate how to ask questions politely.
- Encourage students to move around the room and talk to different classmates.
How to Play
1. Students walk around the classroom asking each other questions to find someone who fits each description on their bingo sheet.
2. When they find a person who matches a statement, that person signs or initials the corresponding box.
3. The goal is to fill a row, column, or the entire bingo sheet, depending on time and preference.
4. Once someone completes the bingo, the game ends, or continue until multiple winners emerge.
5. Debrief by asking students to share interesting facts they learned about classmates.
2. When they find a person who matches a statement, that person signs or initials the corresponding box.
3. The goal is to fill a row, column, or the entire bingo sheet, depending on time and preference.
4. Once someone completes the bingo, the game ends, or continue until multiple winners emerge.
5. Debrief by asking students to share interesting facts they learned about classmates.
Variations
- Time Limit: Set a time limit for the activity to add excitement.
- Themed Sheets: Use topics related to recent lessons or cultural themes.
- Partner Interview: After finding someone, students pair up and interview each other in more detail.
- Team Play: Divide students into small groups and work together to complete a bingo sheet.
- Speed Round: Students have a limited time to find as many matches as possible.
