Relationship Bingo: Asking Questions & Active Listening Lesson Plan

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Standard Addressed

Relationship Skills: the ability to develop positive relationships with diverse individuals and groups

Objective

Students will be able to:

• Develop and practice relationship skills by engaging in structured peer conversations 
• Build rapport and meaningful connections by asking questions and listening actively

Assessment

Students can be assessed in the following areas:

• Questions asked during the BINGO activity
• Quality and completeness of written notes
• Reflection 

Materials

• BINGO cards - 1 per student
• Pencils or pens
• Notebooks or Computers for answer notes
• Timer
• Prizes (optional, for BINGO winners)

Activating Prior Knowledge

Begin by asking students: “How do you start a conversation with someone new?”

Discuss answers and write responses on the board. Highlight that asking questions and showing genuine interest are key parts of making new friends. Let students know that today’s activity will help them practice those skills in a fun way.

Lesson Steps

1. Read the following instructions to students: 

"Today we’re going to play BINGO—but instead of calling out numbers, you’ll fill in each square by talking to your classmates. Each square has topics such as ‘Has a pet’ or ‘Loves video games.’ When you find a classmate who matches a square, sit with them, ask two follow-up questions, and write the classmate’s answers in your notebook. When you get five in a row, call out BINGO."

2. Model the process in front of the class:
“I’m going to find someone who reads comic books. Matt, do you read comic books?”
(Matt says yes.)
“Awesome! Now I’ll sit with Matt and ask two follow-up questions like:
‘What’s your favorite comic book series?’ and
‘How did you first get into comics?’
Then I write Matt’s name and answers in my notebook.”

Write the name and two answers on the board as a visual model.

3. Distribute the BINGO cards and notebooks. Remind students that they cannot just walk around quickly—they need to sit and have a conversation each time they find someone who matches a square. Set the timer for 20 minutes and encourage students to talk to as many people as possible. Adapt the time to fit your class.

Circulate the room to support students who may need help starting conversations. Reinforce positive behavior by acknowledging students who are listening well and asking thoughtful questions.

4. As students get BINGO, have them come up, show their notebook, and share aloud the name and two facts for each square in their winning row. If correct, they can win a small prize (if available) or a class high-five/recognition. When time is up, ask all of the other students to share one square with the class and the follow-up facts that they learned about a classmate.

Reflection / Generalization

After the game, have students write a journal entry in their notebook for the following prompt: “Describe one interesting thing you learned about someone today. How did it feel to ask questions and listen to their answers? Is there someone new in your life that you could ask questions to get to know them better?”

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Here is the printable version of the Relationship Bingo Lesson Plan.

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