How to Play 20 Questions
One person thinks of something secret, and the class gets 20 yes-or-no questions to figure out what it is.
- Whole class
- 10 min
- Nothing to prepare
- 1st to 8th grade
- Quiet
One page with all five steps
How to Play
5 steps
Pick a secret
One student chooses a person, place or thing and whispers it to you.
Ask yes-or-no questions
The class asks questions that can only be answered yes or no.
Count every question
Keep a tally on the board. The class has 20.
Guess any time
A guess counts as a question.
Winner picks next
Whoever guesses it chooses the next secret.
Ways to Change It Up
- Unit EditionThe secret has to come from this unit: a planet, an animal, a word.
- Who Am I?The secret is a person from history or a book.
Play It With
Classroom ToolPickers & Groups
Random Name Picker
Spin a wheel of student names to choose who goes next.
All grades, Pre-K to 12More Quiet Games
All Quiet Games
Silent Ball
QuietStudents toss a soft ball without a sound. Talk or drop it and you sit down.
Whole class5 to 15 min
Heads Up, Seven Up
QuietSeven students tap thumbs while the class hides their eyes, then everyone guesses who tapped them.
15 or more10 min
Mum Ball
QuietThe quiet ball toss: no talking, no dropped catches, last one standing wins.
Whole class10 min
20 Questions Questions
Plan the Game into the Week
Drop a game into any lesson plan in EMStudio, with the rules attached. Free to start.
Get Started for FreeChecked by a teacher