Friendship Bingo Lesson Plan Friendship Bingo Blast
Tier 1 Social Icebreaker
30 Minutes
Audience
7th Grade Students
Focus
Social Connections
Approach
Interactive Play
Why This Matters
Building familiarity and social connections reduces anxiety, fosters a sense of belonging, and sets a positive classroom tone for students with significant disabilities.
Prep (10 mins)
Review Bingo Cards for visuals & statements.
Print one card per student (plus extras).
Gather pencils, markers, clipboards, & timer.
Arrange room for easy movement.
Materials
• Friendship Bingo Cards
• Pencils & Clipboards
• Bingo Markers (Tactile/Visual)
• Visual Timer
Learning Objective
Students will play an inclusive bingo icebreaker to introduce themselves, practice asking questions, and discover shared interests with peers.
5
Introduction
Welcome students and explain the goal: meet classmates and find shared interests. Show a sample Bingo Card, pointing out the text and picture supports. Review key vocabulary like "favorite," "hobby," and "initial."
5
Explain Rules
Describe how to approach peers, ask yes/no questions, and get a name/initial if it matches. Model: Ask "Do you like pizza?" and mark a square. Clarify that while a row/column/diagonal wins, the focus is on interaction.
12
Gameplay (The Main Event)
Start the visual timer. Let students circulate with clipboards.
• Provide picture prompts for students who need support.
• Pair nonverbal students with a peer buddy or paraprofessional.
• Circulate to prompt quieter students and reinforce positive social skills.
5
Share Findings
Gather students in a circle. Invite volunteers to share one new thing they learned. Celebrate wins with verbal praise or stickers. Acknowledge common interests found across the group.
3
Closure
Recap the purpose: building connections. Explain how knowing peers will support teamwork in the future. Collect materials and thank everyone for their energy and participation.
Friendship Bingo Slides Icebreaker Activity
Friendship Bingo Blast
An Inclusive Connection Quest for 7th Grade
Start Your Adventure
Today's Goal
"We will meet our classmates, ask friendly questions, and find things we have in common!"
Supplies Checklist
Bingo Card
Pencil
Clipboard
Bingo Markers
Pick your favorite color!
Getting Ready
1
Look at the pictures and words on your card.
2
These are hobbies or things you might like!
3
We want to find friends who like the same things .
How to Play
1
Approach a Friend
2
Ask a "Yes/No" Question
3
Write Their Initials
4
Get 5 in a Row!
"Remember: The most important part is saying hello!"
Let's Play!
12 Minutes on the Clock
Time Remaining
12:00
Mingle & Chat
Mark Your Squares
Share Your Discoveries!
Discussion Question:
"What is one new thing you learned about a friend today?"
Celebrate new friendships!
Celebrate finished cards!
Find your common ground.
Quest Complete!
You connected with your teammates today. We are ready for our next adventure!
Return Cards & Pens
Thank You Everyone!
Friendship Bingo Cards Friendship Bingo
Card A • Exploration Phase
NAME: __________________________ DATE: ___________
Instructions: Ask a friend a "Yes/No" question. If they say "Yes," write their initial on the line. Get 5 in a row!
🍕
Likes pizza
🎮
Plays video games
🐶
Has a pet
🔵
Favorite color is blue
🎵
Plays an instrument
🌍
Has traveled away
📚
Loves reading
FREE
🏀
Likes basketball
👦👧
Has a sibling
🍨
Likes ice cream
➗
Favorite is Math
🚲
Can ride a bike
🎨
Loves painting
📺
Watches cartoons
🍝
Likes spaghetti
🏊
Can swim
🐱
Favorite is cats
⚽
Plays soccer
💃
Likes to dance
☀️
Likes summer
📱
Has a smartphone
🥾
Likes hiking
😂
Likes funny movies
🎂
January birthday
Friendship Bingo
Card B • Discovery Phase
NAME: __________________________ DATE: ___________
📱
Has a smartphone
🍝
Likes spaghetti
🚲
Can ride a bike
🎮
Plays video games
☀️
Likes summer
🐱
Favorite is cats
🎨
Loves painting
💃
Likes to dance
🌍
Has traveled away
FREE
🎵
Plays an instrument
😂
Likes funny movies
🍕
Likes pizza
📺
Watches cartoons
👩🍳
Enjoys cooking
🐶
Has a pet
🔵
Favorite color is blue
📚
Loves reading
🏀
Bingo Markers Guide Bingo Markers Guide
Accessibility & Engagement Options
"Offer a variety of tactile, visual, and auditory markers so every student can participate comfortably and confidently."
1. Tactile Tokens
•
Foam Shapes: Stars, hearts, or circles for easy gripping and sensory feedback.
•
Textured Tiles: Bumpy, smooth, or ridged tiles for students who benefit from touch distinctions.
2. Color & Contrast
•
Large Chips: High-contrast colors (neon orange, hot pink) for students with low vision.
•
Glow Stickers: Adds novelty and makes markings stand out clearly.
3. Auditory Feedback
4. Motor Supports
•
Easy-Grip Blocks: Chunky, built-up cubes for students with limited dexterity.
•
Velcro Dots: Stick and unstick dots to promote finger strength without frustration.
Pro-Tips for Implementation
Station Setup
Pre-sort marker types at stations so students can choose their favorite style.
Organized Trays
Use small trays or plates to hold loose tokens and prevent rolling off desks.
Peer Support
Pair students who need help with a buddy to keep the flow smooth and social.
Interest Hunt Lesson Plan Interest Hunt Adventure
High School Tier 1 Icebreaker
30 Minutes
Audience
HS Self-Contained
Focus
Peer Interviewing
Approach
Structured Scavenger Hunt
Why This Matters
High-school students in self-contained settings often face social anxiety. This activity reduces barriers, encourages interaction, and builds community before academic work begins.
Prep (10 mins)
Cut apart the Interest Hunt Task Cards .
Print one Recording Sheet per student.
Gather clipboards, pencils, and stickers.
Set up pathways for safe student movement.
Materials
• Interest Hunt Task Cards
• Recording Sheets
• Clipboards & Pencils
• Visual Timer
• Stickers (Optional reward)
Objective
Students will complete a structured scavenger hunt to ask classmates about hobbies, recording responses to foster communication and peer connections.
5
Introduction
Welcome students. Explain they will learn about classmates' hobbies through a hunt. Show a sample task card and recording sheet. Review key phrases: "Do you like...?" "What is your favorite...?" "Can I write your name?"
5
Modeling Activity
Role-play with an aide. Pick a card (e.g., "Find someone who loves basketball"). Model asking the question, waiting for the answer, and writing the name/initial. Emphasize respectful listening and saying "Thank you."
15
Scavenger Hunt
Distribute materials. Start the visual timer. Students move to ask at least five peers about different interests.
• Offer picture symbol supports or read prompts aloud as needed.
• Pair students with peer buddies or paraprofessionals for social support.
• Encourage one question at a time to maintain focus.
5
Share & Closure
Gather students in a circle. Invite volunteers to share one interesting thing they learned about a classmate. Collect recording sheets and celebrate the successful hunt! Recap how these interests make the class unique.
Interest Hunt Task Cards Interest Hunt Task Cards
Adventure Level: Discovery
CARD 1
Find someone who loves Basketball .
Write Name / Initial:
CARD 2
Find someone whose favorite subject is English .
Write Name / Initial:
CARD 3
Find someone who enjoys Drawing or Painting .
Write Name / Initial:
CARD 4
Find someone who has Traveled away.
Write Name / Initial:
CARD 5
Find someone who plays Video Games .
Write Name / Initial:
CARD 6
Find someone who likes to Cook or Bake .
Write Name / Initial:
CARD 7
Find someone who listens to Music every day.
Write Name / Initial:
CARD 8
Find someone who likes Fantasy or Sci-Fi .
Write Name / Initial:
CARD 9
Find someone who enjoys Hiking or Outdoors .
Write Name / Initial:
CARD 10
Find someone whose Birthday is in the Summer .
Write Name / Initial:
Interest Hunt Recording Sheet Interest Hunt Adventure
Personal Discovery Journal
Explorer Name
Adventure Date
"Ask your classmates questions from your Task Cards. Write their names and what they like below!"
1
Classmate's Name
Their Interest (Task Card Topic)
2
Classmate's Name
Their Interest (Task Card Topic)
3
Classmate's Name
Their Interest (Task Card Topic)
4
Classmate's Name
Their Interest (Task Card Topic)
5
Classmate's Name
Their Interest (Task Card Topic)
Adventure Badge Area