Games are a great way to incorporate language practice in the English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom. They help contextualize target language in a way that students find enjoyable and effective. One game that is simple, filled with English practice, and very enjoyable for students is Bingo. This classic game takes on some twists in the ESL classroom in order to meet the instructor's goal. Below are three variations of the game that are often used in ESL classrooms.

Practice Numbers

Distribute one blank 5x5 Bingo card to each student. Have the students fill in each box with a number (be sure to clarify the range you will be using). Use each number only once, and place them randomly on the card.

Draw a random number card from a bag, hat, or basket, and call it out so that each student hears the number. Students listen for the number, then look for that number on their card. If their card contains that number, the students cross it off.

Continue calling out numbers at random. Students continue searching for the corresponding numbers until they have crossed out five numbers in a row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. At this point, the student calls out, "Bingo!" The first student to say, "Bingo," with five in a row, wins the game.

Practice Vocabulary

Distribute to each student one 5x5 Bingo card that contains pictures of vocabulary words in each square (see the Resources section if you don't already have Bingo cards).

Draw a random word card from a bag, and call out the vocabulary word on the card. Students search and mark the corresponding vocabulary pictures on their card.

Continue until a student calls out, "Bingo!" Again, a student may call out, "Bingo!" only if that student has crossed off five squares in a row horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The first student with a Bingo is the winner.

Practice Reading

Distribute to each student one 5x5 Bingo card with a vocabulary word typed into each square. If you have time, you could distribute blank Bingo cards and present the students with a list of vocabulary words they should recognize. The students write in the words themselves to practice writing.

Draw a random word card from a bag and call out the word (alternatively, you could show the students a picture that corresponds with a vocabulary word). The students search for the written word on their cards and cross it off.

Continue until a student calls out, "Bingo!" This student is the winner. Again, students can only call out, "Bingo!" when they have crossed out five boxes in a row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.

Tips:

Make your own variations based on your classroom needs and tailor the game towards your lesson.

Check winner cards by having the winning student read back the five numbers or words she had in a row.

Experiment making your own cards by hand or in a Spreadsheet program.

Instead of crossing off called numbers or words, use buttons or pieces of card stock to cover the called squares so that each card can be reused. If you want the cards to last for years, laminate them.

Always clarify rules and boundaries before activities and games to ensure each student has a fun and safe time.

Each Bingo card should have numbers or words arranged differently. If each card were identical, then all the students would win at the same time.