Find Someone Who
Class Size
Whole Class
Time
10-15 min
Technology
None
Domain
Affective
Difficulty
Beginner
Delivery
Face-to-Face
Overview
Find Someone Who is a simpler version of Human Bingo. Each student has a list of descriptors (e.g., 'plays an instrument,' 'has a pet,' 'loves Math'). Students find one classmate who matches each descriptor and writes their name.
Educational Purpose
Younger students find Bingo grids complex. Find Someone Who uses a simple list that is easy to read and complete. The goal is the same: mixing and discovering commonalities.
Educational Psychology Behind It
Structured social interaction in the first days builds classroom community. The task-focused format reduces social anxiety for shy students.
Why It Works
Structured social interaction in the first days builds classroom community. The task-focused format reduces social anxiety for shy students.
When to Use It
Use at the start of the year, Grade 2 and up. Simpler than Human Bingo. 10-15 minutes.
When NOT to Use It
Avoid exclusionary descriptors. Avoid descriptors that are too personal. Do not let it become a race where students skip genuine conversation.
Best Grade Levels
Grades Grade 2 to Grade 8
Best Subjects
All subjects
Step-by-Step Classroom Guide
- 1Create a simple list of 6-10 descriptors. Tailor to your students: 'find someone who has a pet, can whistle, walks to school, likes adobo.'
- 2Distribute lists and explain rules: Find one person per descriptor. Write their name.
- 3Students mingle and ask questions. Encourage brief conversation, not just name-collection.
- 4Set a time limit (8-10 min).
- 5Debrief: Who did you find? What surprised you?
- 6Optionally: have students share one interesting discovery.
Classroom Scenario
Ms. Francisco uses Find Someone Who in Grade 3 on the second day of school. Her list: 'Find someone who has a cat, can ride a bike, loves drawing, has been to the beach, has a younger sibling, can count to 10 in Spanish.' Students rush around. A shy student discovers that two classmates also love drawing and they bond over their sketchbooks. The activity takes 12 minutes and by the end, students have talked to at least 6 different classmates. Ms. Francisco notes the connections and uses them for future group work.
Sample Dialogue
Advantages
- Simple enough for Grade 2 and up
- Forces mixing across social groups
- Encourages brief conversations, not just name-collection
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Customizable to any student population
Limitations
- Can become a rushed race without genuine interaction
- Some descriptors may exclude students
- Requires space to move
- May be too simple for older students (use Human Bingo instead)
Common Mistakes
- Letting students race without conversation
- Using exclusionary descriptors
- Not debriefing the connections made
- Not connecting the activity to future group work
Variations & Adaptations
Adjust the complexity of prompts, movement requirements, and sharing depth based on students' age and familiarity.
Technology Integration
This strategy requires no technology. If desired, enhance with digital tools such as Google Docs for collaborative writing or Padlet for sharing responses.
Assessment Ideas
Assess through observation of participation, quality of icebreaker, and formative checks such as exit tickets or quick writes.
Reflection Questions
🤔 What did you learn from this activity?
🤔 What was the most challenging part?
🤔 How could you use this strategy in a different subject?
🤔 What would you do differently next time?
References & Further Reading
- Lemov, D. (2010). Teach Like a Champion. Jossey-Bass.