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Classroom bingo ideas by subject

Bingo works in class because every child answers every call in their head, not just the one with a hand up. The trick is what you call: read a question, and children mark the answer.

Make classroom bingo cards

Early reading

Read the word aloud, and children find and mark it. For letters, say the sound rather than the letter name.

Maths

Call the question, mark the answer: "6 times 7" for times tables, "two more than nine" for number sense. Answers repeat across questions, so children have to work out each one.

Vocabulary and languages

Call the definition or the word in the other language; the card shows the target word. For younger children, hold up a picture.

Science, history and any unit

Paste the unit's key terms into the bingo maker, then call a definition or a fact for each. It doubles as review before a test: note which calls the class hesitates on.

Getting to know the class

"Find someone who" bingo: each square describes a person ("has a pet", "was born in another country"). Children walk around and write a classmate's name in each square. Good for the first week back.

Keeping everyone playing

  • Give every child a different card, so the whole class can't win on the same call.
  • Play to one line or four corners so a game fits in ten minutes.
  • Let the winner be the next caller: reading aloud is practice too.
  • Laminate cards and use dry-wipe pens, or slip them into plastic sleeves, to reuse them all term.

Questions

What age is bingo good for?

From about four with 3×3 picture or colour cards, up to secondary school with definitions and exam terms.

What prizes work in class?

Being the next caller, choosing the next game, a sticker, or a point for the table. Small and quick keeps the game moving.

Make classroom bingo cards

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