B-I-N-G-O!

4/3/2015

I've been playing a lot of BINGO with the kids I'm seeing for OT in this past week. It is such a great game where we can work on so many goals simultaneously. I also like using the same game for a number of children in the same week as it means I don't need to empty out my therapy bag completely each time I see a new child {any other OTs do this?}.

I have created a simple FREE printable BINGO game which you can download from the YKOT shop. This includes 6 "boards" and 1 call sheet. I printed the "boards" onto different coloured paper which just makes it more interesting when playing with multiple children. I then laminated all the sheets for durability.

You will need to supply your own numbers and counters. I wrote our numbers on small wooden blocks purchased from a discount variety shop {or was it Spotlight - sorry can't remember which} and use novelty buttons {which I did purchase from Spotlight} as the counters. I keep the whole thing in a cotton zippered bag which is also used to keep the numbers for calling out.

Here is why I love BINGO:
* It is fun! There is an element or surprise as you don't know which numbers will be selected {or at least I don't make it obvious when I'm picking the numbers to move the game along}.
* Number recognition - Recognising and naming the numbers called. We can also discuss the number before and the number after and other number patterns.
* Visual scanning - Looking and scanning an individual board for a matching number or the "caller" scanning the hundred board to match the number.
* Fine motor skills - I use small blocks and novelty buttons, encouraging a pincer grasp.
* End point - The game is finished when one player has a row {horizontal or vertical) of numbers covered. The star in the middle of the board is a "wild" which can be any number. Having an end point is important for kids who benefit from clear boundaries and structured play.
* Handwriting - I often ask the kids I see to write down their "winning numbers" so we also include a handwriting component to their game.
* Social skills - Children may take turns to be the "caller". Some children have difficulty "losing" and "waiting for their numbers to be called".
* Individual or Group - You can play this with one child or a whole classroom! You may need to create a few more boards for a classroom or you may have a group of children collectively doing one board.
* Pencil control - Instead of using counters {or buttons} you could use a dry-erase marker and ask children to draw a cross over the number called. Make sure you laminate your boards first so they can then be wiped clean and used again!