The bundle Laura sent me contained Level 1 and Level 2 bingo games as well as tests for both of those levels. I chose to use the Level 2 game because although it contained exponents which are NOT in the grade six Ontario math curriculum, the problem cards were challenging for my students and the exponents were simple enough for all students to be able to solve.
It was super easy to assemble what I needed for students to play order of operations bingo. I printed off the bingo cards, instruction cards, answer cards, and problem cards on heavy cardstock and then laminated them. I bought good old fashioned bingo chips at our local Walmart and I already had some personal sized dry erase boards from the local dollar store. I put everything except the dry erase boards in a large zip lock baggie.
Needless to say, my students were raring to get playing. We do a lot of different things in math class in my program. We use online games, we utilize a program called Geometer's Sketchpad, we use task cards, we record in our interactive notebooks and math survival guides, but nothing gets my students going like playing good old fashioned hands on games! I quickly reviewed the "rules of the game" with the class and then handed out a prepared baggie with the game components in it to each group (each group consisted of 3-4 students).
Students take turns being the bingo captain. This person gets to turn over the problem card from the pile which has been placed face down in the middle of the group. Without talking, each student then individually solves the problem on their dry erase board. When they have finished solving the problems, students turn the boards over and wait until everyone in the group has their board facedown.
When all boards are face down, the Bingo Captain says“Showdown!” Everyone shows their answers and the Captain checks the answer key. Discuss solutions, talk over incorrect answers, and give help as needed. For me as a teacher, this was the BEST part of the game! To watch and listen as students justified their answers and explained to one another why their solution was correct or incorrect was very informative. It also solidified for me which students really understand the concept and which ones still needed to practice.
Everyone who was correct covered the answer on his or her game board with a Bingo chip or token. Those who did not have the correct answer may not place a chip on the board. Students rotated the role of Bingo Captain to the left for each round. The winner was the first person to cover an entire row horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. When they finished they cleared the Bingo boards and began a new game.
I was thrilled when my principal came in while the students were playing. We have been attending a family of school PLC on mathematics instruction together and it was great for her to see some ideas in action! She loved the game so much she borrowed a baggie with all the materials inside to take home and practice with her son!
The students were fully engaged for over an hour playing this game. I saw skill levels improve, students collaborate and help each other. I heard them discuss and defend their answers and I could feel excitement in the air.
I think we will spend another period playing the game, or I might use it as a CHOICE activity for students who have finished work early. I would like to allow students to play a few more times before I give them the test which Laura has included in the package. I think I might even allow students to borrow the games and take them home and practice with their families!
I loved watching my students play Order of Operations Bingo and I know they loved playing it. This interactive, hands-on type of learning really works for my students and I am certain it would work for yours too. You can find the entire package in Laura's Teacher's Pay Teacher's store. Just click on the image below.
This game was great as TEST prep too! We have EQAO standardized testing coming up at the end of May. Click on the image below if you would like a FREE copy of my KEY WORDS FOR STANDARDIZED TESTS posters.