The Humble Game of World Language Bingo
Bingo is such a lowly game. The humble game of world language bingo has been around forever. In the language classroom, it is a staple. It is a great game to practice vocabulary and receptive skills. It forces the students to focus if they want to win that bingo prize. Anytime I can get more out of a game I do. Here are some ideas to expand and enhance the ever so humble game of world language bingo.
Use Images
If it is possible, use clipart images or pictures of the ASL sign instead of English words. Images help keep everyone in the target language. When creating your own board game or purchasing a bingo game, look to find sets with images instead of English words.
Student Created Bingo Boards
Have students create their own images for the bingo game. Students can make their own bingo boards by drawing images of the words on their card. There is a free template at the end of this post. This gives students the opportunity to make a stronger connection to the word. If students can’t draw, have them use stick figures or cut images from an old magazine. They can even use clipart. Just let them know no one will see their bingo card except for them.
Use Objects to Cover the Words
If students are scribbling out their images you will have a difficult time seeing if they really got a bingo. Also, if the image is unreadable, students won’t be able to call back the word for you to check for accuracy. Use objects like these aquarium/planter beads to cover the boxes on the bingo cards.
Getting More from the Game – 6 Ways to Play
To get more from the humble game of world language bingo, play multiple games within one game. This will make the game last longer and get more review of the vocabulary. I play six games in one bingo session.
- Vertical – Five in a row anywhere on the board vertically.
- Horizontal – Five in a row anywhere on the board horizontally.
- Diagonal -Five in a row anywhere on the board diagonally.
- Four Corners – All words in each of the four corners.
- Borders – Every word around the border of the game board.
- Blackout – Every word on the board. There is no FREE space in most of my games.
There can be one winner for the first 5 games and anyone can win blackout. Ultimately a student can win four corners and blackout but they can’t win vertical and horizontal. I always have students sign back the words that were called to get another opportunity for students to see the vocabulary but also it is a way for me to check students accuracy. I always give a small prize of candy to each of the winners. This keeps them motivated and engaged.
Here is a free Bingo board printable for you to use in your classroom.
