Are you looking for a fun, play-based, stealth way to encourage more reading in your home? Today, I’d like to talk about how to encourage reading and play with Book Bingo sets.
But, first, the backstory…
My first word- I kid you not- was bookie. It’s true! I would follow any available adult around the house, with a book tucked under my arm, and chant, “Bookie! Bookiebookiebookie!”
Annoying, right?
Well, cut to today. I am forty-womp-womp years old and I’m still an avid reader. And, as a school psychologist and homeschool mama, I know the value of reading aloud. Read-aloud time is hands-down the most important homeschool activity!
But let me tell you- Despite being an avid reader and A-student as a kid, I loathed book logs. In fact, I fudged my book logs. Book logs and assigned reading can suck all of the joy right out of the experience.
As homeschool parents, I believe we have a unique ability to protect and preserve the sheer joy of reading. That’s why your daily read-aloud is the most important part of your entire homeschool day!
I am a gameschooler and that love of play definitely carries over into our reading lives! Rather than assign reading or ask our kiddos to complete book logs, we can make reading a fun, playful exploration. One of my favorite ways to do this is through Book Bingo!
Why Book Bingo, you ask? Keep reading!
How to Encourage Reading and Play with Book Bingo
Playful Book Bingo Sets Will Encourage Reading All Year Long!
Why Book Bingo?
Well, for several reasons. First, Book Bingo is a game and I am a gameschooler. I truly, wholeheartedly believe that homeschooling can be almost all fun and games. This includes our reading lives!
A book log is tedious. Book assignments feel demanding. Book Bingo is different because it is playful and allows for choice. Our children can feel a sense of autonomy when they tackle Book Bingo.
Plus, you can make it delicious! Reward your kids for five in a row. And perhaps if you finish the entire card you have dessert before dinner and a family movie night! The sky is the limit!
I want you to read- and play- your way through the four seasons. I have created four sets of Book Bingo cards, one for each of the four seasons. This way, you can keep things fresh and interesting!
Before tackling the individual seasons, I want to share this Book Bingo Seasonal Bundle with you:
Winter Book Bingo Set:
Snuggle up and get comfortable with a book this winter. There’s nothing cozier than a blanket, some hot cocoa, and a favorite book!
Want to take this playful set to the next level? Check this out:
- Snuggle Up with these Cozy Winter Picture Books
- The Best Christmas Books for Your Homeschool
- Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Play and an Incredible Book
Spring Book Bingo Set:
Delight your little ones with this spring-themed Book Bingo set:
Looking for more inspiration to complement this set? Check this out:
Summer Book Bingo Set:
“Summer, summer, summertime! Time to sit back and unwind.” (Where are all the 90s kids? I loved me some DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince back in the day!) Summer is perfect for lazy afternoon reading.
Looking for more inspiration? Check this out:
Fall Book Bingo Set: Love to play Bingo?
Hunker down this fall and work your way through this autumn-themed Book Bingo set.
Looking for inspiration? Check this out:
- Get Ready for Fall with Fantastic Picture Books and Hands-On Play
- The Best Halloween Books for Your Homeschool
- The Most Amazing Thanksgiving Books for Your Homeschool
Check out our Gameschool Bingo Pack!
If you’re on a Bingo kick and don’t want to stop, check out our seasonal set of Gameschool Bingo (one card per season).
Does Your Daily Read-Aloud Need a Jumpstart? Check out How to Rock THE MOST IMPORTANT PART of Your Homeschool Day!
Reading-related products from My Little Poppies:
- Book Lover Bundle
- Bookmarks for Little Book Lovers!
- Book Dice
- Library Tote Tags
- Library Scavenger Hunt
- Roald Dahl Author Study {Lazy Unit Study Inspiration Pack}
- Roald Dahl Author, Book, & Film Study {Lazy Unit Study Inspiration Pack BUNDLE}
- The BFG Book & Film Study {Lazy Unit Study Inspiration Pack}
- Matilda Book & Film Study {Lazy Unit Study Inspiration Pack}
- James and the Giant Peach Book & Film Study {Lazy Unit Study Inspiration Pack}
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Book & Film Study {Lazy Unit Study Inspiration Pack}
- E.B. White Author Study {Lazy Unit Study Inspiration Pack}
- Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White {Lazy Unit Study Inspiration Pack}
- Stuart Little by E.B. White {Lazy Unit Study Inspiration Pack}
- Charlotte’s Web {Lazy Unit Study Inspiration Pack}
Check out these related resources for book lovers:
- Books for Homeschoolers: A Resource Page
- Art Books for Children
- Geography Picture Books
- History Picture Books
- Language Arts Picture Books
- Math Picture Books
- Nature Journaling Books
- Reference Books for Your Homeschool
- Science Picture Books
Now, it’s your turn. Tell me: How do you playfully encourage reading at home? Do you love to play Book Bingo? Share here!
Cait has created several courses for homeschool parents. Cait co-hosts The Homeschool Sisters Podcast and is co-founder of Kindred Collective. Cait is also founder of the Family Book Club at My Little Poppies, a fantastic community of book-loving parents and the Gameschool Community at My Little Poppies, a vibrant community of gameschoolers.
Cait is a contributing writer for Simple Homeschool. Her work has also appeared on The Huffington Post, The Mighty, Scary Mommy, GeekMom, and many others. You can find her on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
- The Best Early Math Games for Your Homeschool - January 24, 2021
- Homeschooling Reflection: Loss of the Big Yellow Bus - January 21, 2021
- How to Make Read-Alouds Memorable in Your Homeschool - January 17, 2021
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