The Best Math Review Game

The most effective and engaging review game is not-your-average BINGO. If you're looking for easy prep, collaboration among peers, and high class engagement, read on to learn more about the preparation, setup, and procedure of the best math review game.

Preparation

• Prepare a PowerPoint presentation with approximately 18 review questions. On each slide, include the answer in a separate text box with animations so it will not show up right away.
• Copy enough generic BINGO boards such that each group will get one. This single page can be used for any BINGO game!
• Print one copy of the page with the numbers 1-24 (found with the generic BINGO board download). Cut out and fold each number. Place the numbers in a small bin.
• Arrange your desks or tables into groups of 4.
• Other materials needed includes mini-whiteboards, whiteboard markers, and whiteboard erasers.

Setup

• Seat students in groups of 4. It is okay if you end up with uneven groups.
• Distribute materials.
• Assign each group member a number between 1 and 4. For groups with 3 students, a student will need to take on two numbers. For groups with 5 students, two students will share a number.
• Each group receives one BINGO board. They randomly write the numbers 1 through 24; one number per box.

Procedure

• Project the first slide of the PowerPoint you created. Students first work individually to solve, then collaborate as a group to ensure everyone understands and finishes with the correct answer.
• Once all groups have had a fair amount of time to work, give students a 10-second warning.
• Use randInt(1,4) to have your graphing calculator randomly select a number between 1 and 4. The student assigned to the generated number must hold up their board. If they are correct, the entire group gets credit. If they are incorrect, the entire group is wrong. This ensures students prioritize collaboration.
• Once you have determined which groups are correct and explained anything needed before moving on, pick a number card from the bin you prepped earlier and call out the number. Groups who got the question correct can cross that number off on their BINGO board!

Because the setup, rules, and boards are generic, it is easy to use this format for any review topic. Use the BINGO board template over and over, and each time students can make their own random board. To create a new game, type up a new problem set in PowerPoint and you're ready to go!

Plan ahead and get lots of small prizes. I usually have options including Dum-Dums, stampers, tattoos, slap bracelets, erasers, etc. To keep students motivated throughout the period, I allow students to win multiple times if they continue to get 5-in-a-row. The game does not reset when someone wins. Keep on going until time runs out!

Create your own or browse all 7th and 8th grade standards-aligned games here.