Kids will love this competitive spin-off of Bingo. And guess what? Parents will, too! This game strikes the perfect balance between fun and learning and you can easily make it at home. As she plays, your child will practice number recognition and listening skills. So play this game as a family, in the classroom, or at a party-- and let the learning (and fun!) begin.
What You Need:
- An empty oatmeal canister
- Thin cardboard or sturdy paper
- A magic marker
- A ruler
- Ink dot makers – one per child
- Small prizes, like pencils or fruitroll snacks
What You Do:
- Cut the cardboard into small squares, about 1-1/2". Write a number on each square using numbers from 1 all the way up to 20. If your child is exceptionally good at counting, use numbers between 1 and 50, or 50 and 100. Place all the numbers in an empty oatmeal canister and set it aside.
- On the paper, use the ruler to draw a grid with 5 lines across and 5 lines vertically so that you end up with 25 boxes. Make a few of these so that each person playing has at least one grid. You might want to go down to your local print store and make some copies of the grids so the next time your child wants to play, she won't have to wait for you to make new ones.
- Write numbers on each square on the grid in a random order. If your child is old enough to write numbers, invite her to help you but if her handwriting isn't legible yet you'd better take the lead on this one.
- When every grid is filled with numbers, you're ready to play! Hand each child a number grid and a colorful ink stamper.
- Take out the oatmeal canister filled with the small number squares and withdraw one number at a time. If the number you call out is on your child's grid, have her put an ink dot over the number. The first player to fill in five squares in a row (vertically, horizontally, or diagonally) can jump up and yell, "Bingo!" for a prize!
Hannah Boyd has two young children.