Beginning Sound Bingo Game
Play bingo with pictures instead of numbers — call out a beginning sound like 'Buh!' and players cover any picture that starts with B on their card.
What You'll Need
- 1Paper for bingo cards
- 2Markers or crayons for drawing pictures
- 3Letter cards (index cards with single letters)
- 4Small game markers (buttons, coins, cereal)
What You'll Need
Paper for bingo cards (3x3 grid, 2-4 cards)
Markers or crayons for drawing small pictures
Index cards with single letters for calling
Small markers: buttons, coins, or cereal pieces
How to Play
Create bingo cards with simple pictures in each square. Make each card different.
Make letter cards: B, S, F, T, M, C, R, H, D.
Give each player a card and markers.
Draw a letter. Announce the SOUND: "This says 'buh'! Cover anything starting with 'buh'!"
Help players scan: "Ball starts with 'buh'!" Cover matching pictures.
Continue drawing. First full row wins with "BINGO!"
Review covered pictures: "Ball, book, banana — all start with B!"
Shuffle and play again.
Tips
This game bridges the gap between knowing letter sounds and applying them. Hearing "buh" and then finding pictures that start with that sound is exactly the skill needed for beginning reading.
Always announce the sound, not the letter name. "Buh" matters more than "bee" for early literacy. Sound knowledge drives decoding; letter names are just labels.
Make the cards reusable by laminating them or slipping them into plastic sheet protectors. Use dry-erase markers to mark instead of placing objects.
For younger players (4), use a 2x2 grid. For confident 5-6 year olds, go to 4x4.
Play this with siblings of different ages — older kids can be callers while younger kids play.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 20 min, with 15 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: paper for bingo cards, markers or crayons for drawing pictures, letter cards (index cards with single letters), small game markers (buttons, coins, cereal).
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 4-6 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This activity has a moderate difficulty level. It may require some preparation or guidance, but is manageable for most families.
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