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The 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.

In October 2007, the state of Minnesota passed a statewide ban on smoking that prevented people from smoking in all indoor workplaces. This meant that anyone participating in the charity bingo games would not be allowed to smoke. Since the ban, the state has seen a drop of almost 13 percent in the last quarter of 2007 in charity gambling revenue. State officials have stated that more than half the drop is because of the new ban.

In Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Charlie Lindstrom runs bingo nights at the American Legion Post. Charlie has stated that many of the former customers he would see are now making the drive to casinos on Indian Reservations where smoking is allowed. Some are even driving to North Dakota to play at veteran’s organizations where smoking is allowed due to an exemption from the state’s ban. Charlie said that his attendance is down at least 20 to 35 players a night.

However many believers in the smoking ban say that the public health aspect of the ban out weighs the negative the loss of charity funds. Thomas Huntley a State Representative of Minnesota and the chief sponsor of Minnesota’s Freedom to Breathe Act has stated that in the U.S. when there is a smoking ban there is usually a six month period when business drops but then business will rebound.

There is argument from both sides of whether or not the charity bingo community can bounce back from the loss. Most of the charity bingo organizations raise money for different charity causes in their community and those who benefited from the funds will be hurting at least for a little while until business bounces back or a change is made in the smoking ban.

Twenty-three year old Michael Dicker was arrested in the city centre Walkabout in Cumbria last month for being drunk and disorderly and resisting arrest. When Dicker became too intoxicated at a local pub he was approached by police officers. Dicker then began to struggle with the police officers when was to be arrested and it took six officers to hold him down. One female officer was wounded during the struggle receiving a bruised knee and injured hand.

During Dicker’s hearing he admitted that he has a drinking problem and should be banned from certain pubs and bars. Dicker pleaded with the court to allow him to visit his favorite bingo, the Gala Bingo Hall in the city. The court decided to ban Dicker from alcohol consumption, entering licensed premises in the city limits and also from being under the influence of alcohol. Dicker did however get the option to attend his favorite bingo hall if he remained sober.

Dicker was issued an anti-social behavior order (Asbo) that allows him to enter the Gala Bingo hall but gives the police the right to intervene if they deem it necessary. Dicker was also given a 12 month community service order and is to be supervised for six months.

Michael Dicker must really love his Bingo to be able to ask for permission to attend the local Gala and play the game he loves. The choice of the court to allow Dicker to visit the bingo premises is a strange one but hopefully it will give Dicker the freedom he would like and allow him to have fun sober.