How to Prep and Use Math Bingo Games (In Under 20 Minutes!)
In my middle school math classrooms, math bingo games have been a favorite activity among students. Better yet, these math games are SO EASY to prep and use as the teacher. Here I will show you how to prep these math bingo games in under 20 minutes and how to utilize them as a learning tool in the 5th-8th grade math classroom.
Where can I find middle school math bingo games?
First off, you can find the bingo games that fit for your classroom. I currently have a range of games from Order of Operations BIngo to Solving Two Step Equations Bingo (pictured below). To find them all, head over to my “Bingo Games” Custom Category in my TpT store (along the left hand side). I have also been continually adding new middle school math bingo games, so if you aren’t already, you can subscribe to my weekly math emails for updates.
How Do I Prep the Math Bingo Games?
These games are among the easiest to prep for use in the classroom. Here is how you can easily prep the games for use in the classroom.
1. For each of the bingo games above, the first step is to print the calling cards (which have the math problems) and the bingo game boards. Depending on the specific math game, the number of these may vary, but many of my games have 40 calling cards and 30 game boards. I highly recommend printing these on card stock. Personally, I like using white card stock for the 30 game boards and colored card stock for the calling cards.
*Tip: Read the instructions within the individual bingo game PDF, as some games have options to use only some of the calling cards for a more basic game (or all of the calling cards for a more challenging game!).
2. Cut out the calling cards. Next, you will need to cut out the calling cards. Since there are only up to 40 calling cards, depending on the specific game, this should only take 5-10 minutes!
3. You are ready to play! That’s it! it is really that easy to prep. Literally just print, cut a few cards, and you are ready to go. With that being said, I would highly recommend laminating the boards and calling cards if you have some extra time… we all know how much we thank ourselves later for laminating things right away. :)
How to Play the Math Bingo Games in Class
Playing these games is a blast and is very easy to explain and setup with students.
1. Distribute one bingo game board to each student and 15-20 counters (or have them rip up scrap paper into tiny pieces). They will use the counters/scrap paper to cover up spaces on their game boards.
2. As the teacher (or pick a student to be the “caller” for the game), flip over one calling card at a time. Read the problem aloud and/or write it on the board.
3. Give students a chance to get their answer. If they have that answer on their board, they cover up that space.
4. First player to get 5 spaces in a row covered on their board wins! I count any 5 vertical, horizontal, or diagonal spaces.
FIND more math games for the middle school classroom
Hope your students enjoy the bingo games! For more fun and engaging math games for middle school, be sure to check out this Middle School Math Games to Use in Your Classroom blog post.
To save on a huge range of grade level materials for 5th grade, 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade math, be sure to grab the following math mega bundles for each grade. These include all of the task cards, math games, scavenger hunts, math sorts, and other engaging math activities you would need for the entire school year (and years to come!).