Arithmetic is one of the simplest and oldest branches of mathematics. This is also one of the first forms of mathematics taught to students, starting from counting and then gradually moving on to simple calculations like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Once this base is set, students move on to the more advanced branches of mathematics like trigonometry, geometry, and algebra. At any rate, arithmetic is the most essential background required to understand any calculation, simple or complex. Moreover, arithmetic is extremely useful in all areas of day-to-day life, including science, technology and business.
When it comes to mathematics, nothing works magic the way practice does. However, it is difficult to hold the attention of any student for too long, and teachers are continually looking for innovative ways to make the learning process easier and more fun for the students. One such activity gaining popularity in classrooms is the game of bingo.
The most fascinating thing about bingo is that it can be easily adapted according to the situation. Bingo can be used in different ways in a maths class. The most popular form of arithmetic bingo involves the teacher assuming the role of the bingo caller while the students are given specially printed bingo cards that contain math problems. Instead of crossing off numbers as they are called, students are required to fill in the correct answers.
To take it a step further, one can also play advanced arithmetic bingo where students are required to work backwards. Here, instead of filling in the right answers, their bingo cards will have math equations. The caller will call out numbers and the students have to identify the number that corresponds to an equation on their card. When a student strikes off the required number of boxes on his or her card, he or she wins the game. This is a little more advanced as students are required to work backward as opposed to just solving the equation. For playing advanced arithmetic bingo, it is important that the numbers being called out are all, in fact, answers to different equations printed on the student’s bingo cards.
Another alternative is arithmetic bingo using the counting on strategy principle. Cards with printed numbers are handed out to students. Each student is asked to throw a pair of dice. The student is then asked to place a finger on one of the dice and add by counting the numbers on the second. Then the corresponding box holding the number needs to be ticked. Whichever student crosses off the maximum number of boxes along a row or column, wins.
The main requirement in order to play arithmetic bingo is, of course, the bingo cards with the math problems printed on them. It is very easy to make these cards as they can be printed directly from the computer through free ready-made arithmetic bingo printable. You can also download software to use bingo card creator to make the job easier.
Tags: arithmetic bingo, bingo, educational bingo
