Activity
Where, Oh, Where Is My Friend?
Increase independence of identifying and locating people in room using a sound localization game.
This activity has been revised and was originally created by Charlotte Cushman and published in the Perkins Activity and Resource Guide (1st edition, 1992). The second edition is available for purchase.
An important part of social development is recognizing familiar people, such as friends and classmates. This activity works on that recognition while increasing social interaction and encouraging group activities. It also works to improve sound localization and visual scanning. Lessons include Social Skills, English Language Arts, and Orientation and Mobility.
None required
- Form a circle and have the students take turns standing in the center. Choose one person for the child to find, for example, “Sue, can you find Richard?” While Sue, in the center, searches for Richard, the group sings to the tune of “Ten Little Indians”:
Where, oh, where is my friend, Richard?
Where, oh, where is my friend, Richard?
Where, oh, where is my friend, Richard?
Where, oh, where can he be?
- The amount of help given each time will depend on Sue’s searching abilities. For example, if Sue is cognitively aware of others and has some vision, she should be encouraged to visually scan the circle, looking for Richard. On the other hand, if Sue is totally blind and does not yet demonstrate a clear recognition of others, she might be given sound cues by Richard, who can clap, sing, whistle, or say “here I am.”
- When Sue finds Richard, she can tell everyone “here he is!” or just lightly tap him.
- The game is repeated until everyone has had a turn to be in the middle.
- If students are able, this game can be played like hide-and-seek, and Richard would actually hide in the room.
- This could also be played by hiding objects around the room.
Hint: Encourage students to search for familiar people as independently as possible.
