Buzz is a favorite filler activity in my foreign language classes. When I have a few minutes to spare at the end of a lesson, I take the opportunity to practice counting with this classic game. It’s an oldie but a goodie! Learners as young as 7 enjoy the challenge of Buzz. Want to know how to play? Here’s an excerpt from our newest Foreign Language House publication, Middle School Madness: Cooking Up Foreign Language Fun and Games:
Ingredients:
- One soft ball (squishy or Koosh
)
Serving Size: The whole class
Time: 5-10 minutes
Method:
The whole class stands.
- Toss the ball to the first player and say the number “one.”
- This player will continue counting with “two” and toss the ball to the next person.
- Tossing and counting continue around the room.
- Whenever there is a multiple of 5 (or whatever multiple you choose at the start of the game) the player must say “Buzz” instead of the number.
- Players must sit if they say an incorrect number, do not know the answer, forget to say Buzz, or drop the ball.
- All players left standing at the end of the game are winners!
- For an added challenge, you may continue with higher numbers, or begin counting backwards.
For over 50 more fun language learning activities, order Middle School Madness as an instant digital download or paperback.
For more counting ideas, check out my article on Foreign Language Number Games.
Would there be an expression we could use in Spanish/French instead of Buzz?