With back to school right around the corner, making the transition from summer break to a back to school mind-frame can be tough. But, there are some creative ways to get the kids’ heads back in the game.
One fun way to do it is with Back to School Bingo that you can make right at home.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Paper (Construction Paper is preferable)
- Pen or Magic Marker
- Pennies
- Scissors
HOW TO MAKE THE CALLING PILE:
1. Get two pieces of paper.
2. Fold them in half about 4 times, until you have 16 squares on each piece of paper.
2. In each square, write a word related to school. For example, Art, Math, Gym, etc.
3. This will give you a total of 32 squares.
4. Cut the squares along the folding lines. This will be your calling pile.
Note: If your kids are not yet readers, feel free to use shapes, letters, numbers or other things they can recognize.
HOW TO MAKE THE BINGO BOARDS:
1. You’re going to want 5 squares going across and five squares going down. This will give you a middle square for the free space which we labelled RECESS. (To get 5 squares across and 5 down, simply draw four lines down and four lines across and VOILA)
2. Now write in the words/symbols you used from the calling pile in each space on the board. If you have Mommy Brain, like me, and can’t remember – refer to the pile.
3. Don’t forget to label the middle square RECESS. There are more words in the pile than you have space for on your board, but that’s OK. Just pick your favorites. Each board should be different.
4. If your kids are able to write or draw shapes, have them get in on the fun and create their own boards.
When you’re done, the boards and set up should look something like this.
Before you get started, remember to put a penny on the RECESS space. It’s a bonus like the Free space.
Place the calling pile face-down, pick up the top card from the pile and call it out.
If the word called is on your bingo board, cover it with a penny.
The first one to get five in a row and yell BINGO wins the game.
This is versatile, so you can play four corners and coverall or whatever else your imagination can drum up.
This is a great way to shift the conversation towards all things school-related and have fun in the process. HAPPY PLAYING.
For more back to school tips and crafting ideas, visit us at www.brownmamas.com