Introduction
As educators, we understand the importance of teaching students about appropriate behaviors in the classroom to create a positive learning environment. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) concepts can be seamlessly integrated into the curriculum to help students develop essential life skills, such as self-awareness, self-management, and social awareness. In this blog post, we will introduce a fun and engaging activity called “How We Act in School Bingo” that can be used to help students in Special Education understand the importance of appropriate classroom behavior.
No-Prep Activity
How We Act in School Bingo is a simple, no-prep activity that requires no additional materials from the educator. To play the game, create a bingo board for each student with different classroom behaviors listed in the squares. Some examples of behaviors include:
- Raise your hand
- Wait your turn
- Listen to the teacher
- Respect others’ opinions
- Stay in your seat
The objective of the game is for students to identify and mark the appropriate behaviors as they are discussed or demonstrated in the classroom. The first student to get four behaviors in a row – up, down, across, or diagonal – can say “bingo!” and is declared the winner.
Throughout the game, use the opportunity to pause and discuss the importance of each behavior, as well as how it contributes to a positive learning environment. This fun and interactive activity helps students in Special Education practice their social-emotional skills and understand the impact of their actions on the classroom atmosphere.
Discussion Questions
After playing How We Act in School Bingo, use these discussion questions to stimulate further conversation and reflection:
- Why is it important to practice good classroom behavior?
- How does following the rules help you and your classmates learn better?
- Can you think of a time when someone’s behavior disrupted the class? How did it make you feel?
- What strategies can you use to manage your emotions and behavior when you feel frustrated or upset in class?
- How can we support each other in maintaining a positive learning environment?
Related Skills
As students develop their social-emotional competencies through activities like How We Act in School Bingo, they will also be building other essential skills that contribute to their overall growth and success. Some of these related skills include:
- Effective communication
- Active listening
- Problem-solving
- Conflict resolution
- Empathy and understanding
Next Steps
If you found How We Act in School Bingo helpful and would like to explore more resources for teaching social-emotional skills, sign up for free samples of related materials at Everyday Speech. With a wide range of activities and resources designed to support students in Special Education, you’ll be well-equipped to foster a positive and supportive learning environment for all learners.
