Bingo is a very simple game that anybody could learn, even young children. This simplicity also means that the game can be adapted to classroom use. As a result, many elementary and other K-12 school teachers are now using specially modified versions of the game bingo as a teaching aid.
Bingo can be used in the teaching of many different subjects, including reading, English, foreign language, math, science, history and geography. Here are a few examples of how it can be integrated into lesson plans:
* When teaching reading, bingo can be played using bingo cards printed with letters or words. Students might be required to check off squares from their card when the match a word read out by the teacher (”sight word bingo”), or contain the letter that the teacher’s word begins with (”phonemic awareness bingo”).
* In English classes, bingo cards with words are again used. In this case students might be required to find the matching word for the teacher’s definition (”vocabulary bingo”), or when they contain a particular part of speech beginning with a letter chosen by the teacher (”a verb beginning with S”, etc., – “parts of speech bingo”).
* In language classes, bingo cards can be printed with French, German, Italian or Spanish words. In this case, students might be required to match these against English words read out by the teacher. You can also reverse this, and use bingo cards printed in English and have the teacher say words in the foreign language.
* In math classes, bingo cards can be printed with numbers chosen by the teacher, or even with math problems (students must mark off squares by writing in the correct answers). When using numbered cards, students must solve a math problem to find the matching square, and this math problem could be a simple addition, subtraction, multiplication or division sum, a problem involving fractions or decimals (”find the square containing one and a quarter” is called out by teacher, and students must match this to a square containing “1.25″, etc.), etc.
* Bingo can also be used in history, geography and science classes. In these cases, the bingo cards are printed with items appropriate for the subject, and the students must match them to clues given by the teacher (for example: “this is a country in Western Europe, it has coasts on the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, and its capital is Madrid”).
By: Sunil Tanna
The classic Bingo game has invaded the turf of the Internet and, no doubt, it is one of the most followed online games today.
A Google search of “bingo sites” can generate 10,600,000 results. It is safe to assume that there are now thousands of busy online Bingo rooms. We have seen some really flashy sites, others simple, but all are making the Bingo game exciting for everyone.
Through the Internet, Bingo has become practically more accessible everywhere, anytime. Needless to say, most adults sign-up for the game of cash as many Bingo sites offer big cash prizes — the bonanza! The jackpot at stake can be very irresistible. No wonder online bingo players are increasing in number.
There are Bingo sites that make known their popularity by posting the number of gamers currently playing. However, there are gamers who are wary of the idea that a Bingo site with numerous gamers can make their winning odds small. Some Bingo enthusiasts would rather play their online bingo game at a time when there are fewer or balanced number of players like very early on mornings or very late nights.
However, experienced Bingo players know their game. These gamblers aim for big jackpot amounts offered during the busiest time, usually after work hours. More players mean more cash deposit accumulated and bigger jackpot at stake.
With online Bingo, you have to play the game more often to improve and gain a bigger probability of winning. Starting with paying cash deposit to secure a place in the game, Bingo can demand expense. Still there are Bingo sites that offer incentives and bonuses for frequent visitors.
As added attraction, frequent gamers can earn additional cash benefits, incentives and rewards in the form of vacation trips to beautiful destinations, from Paris to Bali, and charming sea cruises. Indeed, Bingo sites these days are taking their games to a whole new level – more exciting, more engrossing.
Online Bingo also provides great entertainment because the gamers are able to socialize. Bingo sites are outfitted with Bingo chat rooms so gamers can make friends in the course of their Bingo games. It is fun even when gamers engage is a seemingly casual chitchat but each one attempting to find out how many cards the other person is playing.
By: Michael Gabriel L. Sumastre
