A card small enough for five-year-olds
A full 5 × 5 card asks a lot of a kindergartener. This set uses a 3 × 3 card with a free star in the center, so each child looks after only eight words. The squares are big, the words are short, and a round usually takes just a few minutes, which suits a class party with a lot going on.
Words they can read or nearly read
All fourteen words are short and familiar, such as elf, star, bell and gift. Many children will read several on their own, and pictures aren't needed once you have said a word and written it on the board.
Running the game
1. Give each child a card and eight or so counters. 2. Say the word, spell it, then hold up the slip or write it where everyone can see. 3. Let children check with a neighbour before they place a counter. 4. Three in a row wins. Play on until most of the class has a turn at calling out "Bingo!"
Making it fit your class
Add your own words, such as the names of your class pets or classroom helpers. There are 25 cards in the set, and you can raise that to 40. The caller sheet at the end lists each word for you to tick, and it can be cut into slips to draw from a hat.