How to Make Vocabulary BINGO for Kids

Vocabulary is the foundation of language, and for children — especially elementary students — games are one of the best ways to build it quickly and joyfully. One of my favorite classroom activities is Vocabulary BINGO (or Lotería), a playful and memorable way to help children learn new words.

Did you know that elementary-aged children can learn 25 new words a week — and over 1,000 words in a school year just through intentional, engaging practice? Games like BINGO make vocabulary learning fun, hands-on, and effective — whether your child is learning their first language or a second one.

Step 1: Choose Your Vocabulary Words

Start by deciding which words you want your students to learn.

• Select about 24 words for one game set.

• Focus on a theme (animals, food, church, seasons, classroom objects) or mix them for review.

• If you’re teaching a second language, choose high-frequency words that children will encounter often.

• Remember: repetition with variety is key!

  
  

Step 2: Make the Game Cards

You’ll need:

• 8 player cards (the BINGO boards)

• 24 vocabulary word cards (the call cards)

  
  

BINGO Boards:   Each board should be a 4x4 grid (16 spaces) with different combinations of your vocabulary words. You can make these by hand or purchase pre-made ones from our TeachersPayTeachers.com  storefront.

Vocabulary Cards:   These are single cards with one word on each. You’ll use them to call out the words during the game — just like a regular BINGO caller.

Step 3: Play the Game

Here’s what you’ll need:

• The 8 BINGO boards

• The 24 vocabulary cards

• Markers: coins, beads, buttons, or anything small to cover spaces

  
  

How to Play:

1. Give each player one BINGO card.

2. Shuffle the vocabulary cards and call out the words one by one.

3. Students listen carefully and mark the word if they have it.

4. The first player to cover four words in a row — horizontally, vertically, or diagonally — shouts “¡Lotería!” or “BINGO!” and wins!

   
   

Why Vocabulary BINGO Works

BINGO is such a powerful vocabulary tool because it’s:

• Interactive – children are actively listening and responding.

• Social – they learn together, building confidence and teamwork.

• Fun – engagement makes learning stick.

When children are engaged, they’re not just memorizing — they’re making meaningful connections with language. Add this to your weekly vocabulary routine, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly your students grow their word bank.

Final Reflection

Vocabulary BINGO is simple to set up, but it has a big impact. With just 25 words a week, children can learn over 1,000 words in a year — all while laughing, playing, and connecting with language.

So grab some index cards, make your boards, and let the learning begin. And if you try this at home or in your classroom, share your creations — we’d love to see Vocabulary BINGO in action!