Making Times Tables Exciting – Part 1: Math Bingo

If you’ve ever taught multiplication tables, you’ll know it’s not always easy to keep learners engaged. Reciting numbers in a monotone voice is hardly thrilling, and even the most enthusiastic child can quickly lose focus. That’s why in my classroom, I’ve made it my mission to turn times table practice into something fun, interactive, and memorable.

One of the biggest hits with my learners? Math Bingo.

How It Works

Instead of the usual call-and-response times table drill, we use colourful bingo sheets filled with numbers. I call out a multiplication or division problem — for example, 6 × 7 or 49 ÷ 7. If learners have the answer on their bingo sheet, they get to colour in that block.

The first learner to complete a full row shouts BINGO! and wins a small prize, usually a sweet.

It’s a simple idea, but the level of excitement it creates in the room is unbelievable. The children cheer each other on, sit on the edge of their seats, and focus hard because they want to win. The best part? They’re practising their times tables without it feeling like work.

Why It Works

• Competition with kindness – Everyone wants to win, but the atmosphere stays friendly.

• Colour and creativity – Colouring the blocks adds an extra layer of fun for visual learners.

• Speed and accuracy – The game encourages quick recall of multiplication and division facts.

  My learners actually beg me to play it again. And yes, it’s perfectly fine to let them “win” at learning.

  Stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll share another engaging way to make multiplication practice a classroom favourite.

  
  

  Get your BINGO sheets here: https://www.cssummaries.co.za/product-page/math-bingo