Bingo in Education
Wednesday, June 11th, 2008The game of Bingo has been used as an educational tool for children since the 1800’s. It started in Germany, where Bingo was revised into a
game that would teach young students their multiplication tables, spelling and even history. This for of education has increased tremendously over the following years.
In today’s schools, Bingo is still used to teach all forms of education. From mathematics and spelling to history and even music. Statistics have proven that children have a magnificently increased ability to learn and absorb information if done so in a fun environment. The provision of Bingo games as an educational tool is no different, proving highly successful in educational systems around the world.
One of the most difficult things to learn in any music class are the symbols that represent each note and other various applications of music. By placing these symbols on a Bingo card (staff, cleft, B-Flat, C-Minor, etc.) students can learn and sustain such knowledge at a rapid pace.
Mathematics is the most commonly taught subject utilizing the game of Bingo. By placing addition, subtraction, multiplication or division problems within each square of the Bingo card, teachers can call out a number, and students can mark any math problem on their card that equals the sum of the called number.
Spelling Bingo is very popular, because it encourages all of the students in the class to learn their spelling words, so that the whole class may benefit. The Bingo card consists of the spelling words currently being taught, or taught in the previous weeks. The teacher will call on one student at a time, giving them one word to spell. If spelled correctly, students will mark that word, if available, on their Bingo cards.
By rewarding children for winning an education Bingo game, they are more enthused, interested and excited about learning. There are many games used in today’s educational systems to teach children, but Bingo has proven by far to be one of the most popular. Common rewards for winning educational Bingo games are candy, snacks or special privileges in the classroom (erase the chalkboard, lead the class to recess, etc).
Most educational Bingo games teach more than the subject at hand. In the case of Spelling Bingo in particular, students are taught to work as a team; that half of the class excelling will not win them the game. It requires group effort to achieve victory. This induces a level of camaraderie that the children will carry with them throughout life.
As you can see, Bingo is not just a fun game to play amongst friends, or to raise money for a local charity. Bingo can also be a great tool in teaching the upcoming generations valuable, lasting lessons. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that our children are having a wonderful, rewarding experience at the same time!
On a final note - perhaps just to further emphasize my desire to see more educational Bingo games played in schools - I wrote this article because my 8-year-old nephew came home from school yesterday and relayed the story of what a fantastic time his 3d grade class had learning the days lessons by playing Musical Bingo.