Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Number Bingo to 20: Free Printable Game for Reception
- ForReception
- StageEarly Years
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Number Bingo to 20 is a free printable bingo game for Reception (ages 4 to 5). One person calls a number, and players listen, find it on their card and cover it with a counter. It is a screen free way to practise numerals to 20. It takes about 10 minutes, and page 2 gives the grown up notes, help ideas, a stretch idea and the answers.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages. Page 1 is the game for the children. Keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
This is a call and cover game. Each player has a copy of the bingo card and 9 counters. One person calls out a number. Players listen, look carefully at their card and cover the number if they have it. The sheet includes a table to fill in. Children practise matching what they hear to the numeral they see, and they learn to wait for their turn.
- Bingo
- card
- one
Why play bingo to learn numbers?
Bingo is a simple game that most families already know. For a child in Reception, it turns number recognition into something with a purpose. A child hears a number, holds it in mind, then looks for the matching numeral. That is harder than it sounds at this age, and a game gives children a good reason to try.
Numbers to 20 are an important step in early maths. Children move from counting out loud to recognising written numerals, including the teen numbers, which can look alike. Playing with a grown up lets you notice which numbers a child knows at once and which need more time. Short, friendly rounds keep it enjoyable.
Counters are small. Keep them away from babies and toddlers, and tidy them up after the game. Use large buttons, pasta shapes or paper squares if you have no counters.
Skills and curriculum link
- Recognising numerals to 20
- Listening carefully
- Taking turns
- Matching spoken numbers to written ones
- Concentration
Helpful ideas about numbers to 20
- Say it, then find itSaying a number out loud before looking helps children link the word to the numeral. Let them repeat each called number quietly to themselves.
- Teen numbers are ten and some moreNumbers from 13 to 19 are built from a ten and some ones. A child who sees this pattern finds them easier to tell apart.
- Some numbers have odd namesEleven and twelve do not sound like the numbers around them. Children often need to hear and see these a few extra times.
- A number line helpsA line of numbers in order shows which numbers are close together. Keep one beside the game so children can check as they go.
Key words
- NumeralThe written symbol for a number, such as 7.
- CardThe sheet with the numbers you look for during the game.
- CounterA small marker you place on a number to cover it.
- CallerThe person who chooses and says each number out loud.
- CoverTo place a counter on top of a number.
- TurnYour chance to play. Everyone gets a go in order.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for the children. Keep page 2 for the grown up.
- Give each player a copy of the card and 9 counters. Read the rules out loud so everyone plays the same game.
- Choose a caller. They say one number at a time, slowly and clearly. Players cover the number if it is on their card.
- Play together the first time and talk about each choice. Ask, "Where is that number on your card?"
- Check with the notes and answers on page 2. Play again another day, because repeating a familiar game builds confidence.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Call numbers slowly and point to the matching number on a number line as you say it. Let the child say each number back before they search. Start with a card that has only a few numbers still uncovered, so the game feels manageable.
To stretch confident children
Ask the winner to read all 9 numbers back. Then try calling clues instead of the numeral, such as "one more than the number after 5". Check that your clue has only one answer before you say it.
Make it a game
Write the numbers 1 to 20 on scraps of paper and put them in a bag. Take turns to draw one and read it out. Cover your numbers as they come up. Set aside each called paper so no number is used twice.
Talk about it
- Which number are you looking for? How will you know when you see it?
- Can you find a number on your card that has two digits?
- Which numbers are easy to mix up? How can you tell them apart?
- What number comes just before this one? What comes just after?
- How many numbers have you covered so far? How many are left?
- Which number would you like to call next, and why?
Take it off the page
Number hunt at home
Look for numerals around the house, on clocks, doors, books and packets. Call out each one you find and say whether it is more or less than 20.
Chalk numbers outside
Write numbers up to 20 on the ground with chalk. The caller says a number and the child hops to it. Take turns being the caller.
Number stones
Paint numerals on flat stones or write them on paper circles. Place them in a line, then mix them up and put them back in order.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit beside your child for the first game, then let them take a turn as caller. About 10 minutes is plenty. If they lose interest, stop and try again later. Praise careful listening as well as getting numbers right.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, a plenary, a table activity or an early finisher task. It needs no preparation beyond printing. Play in pairs or small groups and listen for which numerals children hesitate over. Page 2 gives support and stretch ideas.
Home educators
Print it as part of a wider early maths plan. It works well with counting songs, number books and everyday talk about numbers. You can reuse the sheet with brothers and sisters, and change the numbers on the card to make a new game.
Where this fits in
Before this game, children count objects and say number names in order. They begin to notice that numbers have written symbols. Playing with numbers up to 10 first helps, because the numerals are fewer and easier to learn.
After this game, children can match numbers to quantities to 20 and begin to say one more or one less. They can also move on to ordering numbers, simple number patterns and adding small amounts. Number recognition is a base for all of this.
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Number Bingo to 20 for?
It is written for Reception, which is ages 4 to 5, in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Younger children may enjoy it with lots of help, and older children can use the stretch idea on page 2.
- What will children practise?
They practise recognising numerals to 20 and listening for a number. They also practise taking turns and waiting for their go. These skills support early number work in the Early Years Foundation Stage.
- How long does it take?
It takes about 10 minutes. You can play another round straight away or come back another day. Two quick games work better than one long one, especially with young children.
- What do I need to play?
You need two or more players, a copy of the card for each player and 9 counters each. Buttons or small paper squares work if you have no counters. Black and white printing is fine.
- What if it feels too hard?
Call the numbers slowly and point to the matching number as you say it. A number line beside the game helps. Let the child say each number back before looking for it.
- Can I use it in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing, and page 2 has notes for support and stretch.
- Is it a screen free activity?
Yes. It needs only paper and counters, so it suits quiet time, rainy days and school holidays. It is free to print for home and classroom use.
Preview the full PDF
Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.