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Chapter 315 min read

Find Someone Who

By Vivek M Agarwal•About the Author

Activity illustration

At a Glance

  • Time: 4-5 minutes
  • Prep: Optional handout (or verbal prompts)
  • Group: Whole class mingling
  • Setting: Space to move and mingle
  • Subjects: Universal
  • Energy: High

Purpose

Build community through structured mingling and discovery of commonalities. Use this during the first weeks of class, before group work, or when you want to energize and connect students. Students practice social skills, questioning, and active listening. The scavenger hunt format makes networking feel like a game rather than a chore.

How It Works

  1. EXPLAIN (30 seconds) - Give students a list of traits/experiences to find (verbally or on paper)
  2. MINGLE (3-4 minutes) - Students move around asking each other questions to find matches
  3. RECORD (as they go) - When someone matches a criterion, write down their name
  4. SHARE (60 seconds) - Quick whole-class share-out of interesting discoveries

Example Prompts: Find someone who...

  • Has the same birth month as you
  • Plays an instrument
  • Has traveled to another country
  • Speaks more than one language
  • Has a pet
  • Can juggle
  • Loves to read
  • Plays a sport

What to Say

"Stand up! You're going on a scavenger hunt, but instead of finding objects, you're finding people. I'm going to give you a list of things to find. When you find someone who matches, write down their name. You can only use each person's name ONCE. The goal isn't to finish first—it's to meet as many classmates as possible. Ready?"

(Share 6-8 prompts—write on board, project, or give handout)

"You have 4 minutes. Go mingle and find people! Move around the room and ask questions."

(After time) "Return to your seats. Who found someone interesting? Share what you discovered!" (Take 3-4 volunteers)

Why It Works

Movement and conversation energize the brain. The task (finding matches) gives students a concrete purpose for socializing, which reduces anxiety. The "one name per prompt" rule ensures students talk to multiple people, not just friends. Students discover commonalities, which builds connection and belonging. The activity is low-risk—it's about the game, not about revealing anything too personal.

Research Citation: Structured peer interaction activities increase social connection and classroom community (Kagan, 1994).

Teacher Tip

Make it manageable—6 to 8 prompts is plenty for a 4-minute activity. Too many prompts and students feel overwhelmed. If you want to reuse this activity, change the prompts each time to maintain novelty and interest.

Variations

Sample Prompt Lists

Generic/Universal:

  • Find someone who has the same number of siblings as you
  • Find someone who has the same favorite color
  • Find someone who was born in the same month
  • Find someone who likes the same type of music
  • Find someone who has a hidden talent
  • Find someone who has read a book you've read

Content-Specific:

  • Math: "Find someone who loves math" / "Find someone who finds math challenging"
  • Science: "Find someone who has done a science experiment at home"
  • English: "Find someone who has written a poem or story for fun"
  • History: "Find someone whose family immigrated to this country"

Academic Focus:

  • Find someone who prefers to study alone
  • Find someone who prefers visual learning
  • Find someone who has a study routine
  • Find someone who asks questions in class

For Different Settings

  • Large Class: Use handout or project list on screen
  • Small Class: Verbal list of 5-6 prompts works fine
  • Online: Use chat or breakout rooms; students message each other
  • No-Prep Version: Give verbal prompts one at a time (slower but works)

For Different Ages

  • Elementary (K-5): Simpler prompts: "Find someone who has a pet" / "Find someone who likes pizza"
  • Middle/High School (6-12): Can handle more sophisticated prompts
  • College/Adult: Professional or academic focus: "Find someone in your major" / "Find someone who's already declared a concentration"

Online Adaptation

Moderate for Online:

  • Students use chat to message each other with questions
  • Or use breakout rooms: move through multiple rooms asking questions
  • Can use a shared Google Doc where students write names next to prompts
  • Less energizing than in-person, but still effective for connection

Troubleshooting

Challenge: Students stay with friends and don't branch out. Solution: "You must talk to at least 5 DIFFERENT people. You can only use each person's name once!" Set a minimum number of people they must interact with.

Challenge: Shy students stand on the sidelines. Solution: Pair them with a buddy or teacher. "I'll walk around with you and help you ask people." Or assign roles: "If you're not comfortable asking, you can be someone who ANSWERS questions."

Challenge: Activity drags or finishes too quickly. Solution: Adjust time or number of prompts. Add challenge: "Now find DIFFERENT people for round 2 with these new prompts!"

Challenge: Students finish early and disengage. Solution: Add bonus challenges: "If you finish, find someone who matches TWO things on the list" or "Find someone you haven't talked to yet and ask them about their favorite item on the list."

Extension Ideas

  • Data Analysis: Tally how many students matched each prompt—create a class profile
  • Writing Extension: "Write about someone you met who surprised you. What did you learn?"
  • Create Your Own: Students write their own "Find Someone Who" prompts for next time
  • Follow-Up Groups: Use discovered commonalities to form project groups ("Everyone who plays an instrument, work together on this")
  • Weekly Tradition: Make this a weekly bell-ringer with rotating prompts

Related Activities: Speed Meeting, Commonalities and Differences, Birthday Lineup