Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Syllable Clap Bingo: Free Printable Game for Reception
- ForReception
- StageEarly Years
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Syllable Clap Bingo is a free printable game for Reception (ages 4 to 5). Children listen to a word, clap the beats in it and cover the matching number. It is a screen free game for two to six players, with cards to cut out and counters to cover the numbers.
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. It is two A4 pages. Print both, cut out the cards (an adult can do the cutting), give page 1 to the children and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
Children play a bingo game built around listening. A grown-up or a player reads out a word, such as an animal, a fruit or something from the sky. Everyone says it, claps the beats and decides how many claps it has. Then they cover the matching number with a counter. The game needs cards, counters and good listening ears.
- cat
- banana
- dog
- apple
- elephant
- sun
- butterfly
- tiger
- umbrella
What is a syllable?
A syllable is one beat of sound in a spoken word. Some words have one beat and some have more. When children clap along, they feel the rhythm of speech in their hands. This helps them notice that long words are made of smaller chunks of sound.
Syllables are about what we hear, not what we see written down. That makes this a good activity for four and five year olds who are not yet reading. Breaking words into beats is an early step towards hearing the separate sounds in words, which supports later reading and spelling.
Young children need help with scissors. An adult should do the cutting out of the cards before the game starts.
Skills and curriculum link
- Listening
- Clapping in rhythm
- Counting
- Hearing syllables
- Matching words to numbers
- Taking turns
This sheet supports the area below. It is matched to the published England framework. Please check it against your own school plan.
| Framework | Subject or area | Strand | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Years Foundation Stage | Communication and Language | Listening, Attention and Understanding | Reception |
What children will be able to do
- I can clap the beats in a word.
- I can count the syllables I hear.
- I can match a word to the right card.
Ideas to help you play
- Clap the sound, not the spellingA word can look long on paper and sound short, or the other way round. Ask children to listen to the word and clap what they hear.
- Say it slowly firstSaying a word slowly and clearly makes the beats easier to hear. Then say it again at normal speed while clapping.
- Use a hand under the chinSome children find it helpful to rest a hand under the chin and feel it move as they say a word. Each movement can match a beat.
- Names are great practiceEveryone has a name to clap. Children care about their own names, so it is an easy way to start.
Key words
- SyllableOne beat of sound in a word.
- ClapHit your hands together once for each beat you hear.
- BeatA single pulse of sound, like one tap of a drum.
- CountSay the numbers in order to find out how many.
- MatchFind the two things that go together.
- CounterA small piece you place on a square to cover it.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Cut out the cards, or ask an adult to do it. Keep page 2 for the grown-up.
- Read the rules aloud together so everyone plays the same game. Hand out the counters.
- Read a word aloud. Everyone says it slowly and claps the beats together.
- Count the claps, then cover the matching number with a counter. Take turns to be the reader.
- Check against the answers on page 2 and talk about any word that was tricky. Play again another day.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Say the word slowly and clap along with the child, one clap for each beat. Start with short, familiar words. Say each word twice before asking for a number. If it is still hard, let the child watch you clap a few rounds first.
To stretch confident children
Sort the cards into piles by number of claps. Then ask children to find or invent a new word for each pile. Can they find a word with more claps than any card on the sheet?
Make it a game
Make up new words from the room, such as the names of family members or things on the table. Each player takes a turn to choose a word, say it aloud and ask the others to clap and count.
Talk about it
- How many claps does your name have?
- Can you think of a word with three claps?
- How did you know how many beats to count?
- Which word was the hardest to clap? Why?
- Can you find something in the room with one clap in its name?
- Who in your family has the longest name to clap?
Take it off the page
Name claps
Clap the names of everyone in your family. Line them up from the fewest claps to the most.
Drum the beats
Use a wooden spoon and a saucepan upside down on the floor, or just tap the table. Say a word and tap each beat as you say it.
Shopping basket game
Next time you are out or unpacking shopping, say the name of each item and clap it. Take turns to guess the number of beats.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit beside your child for the first round and let them lead after that. Cut out the cards beforehand. Keep rounds short and stop while they are still enjoying it. Clap along so they can copy you.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, plenary, table activity or small group game. It needs printing, cutting and counters. Page 2 has support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups. It links to the Communication and Language strand Listening, Attention and Understanding.
Home educators
Print it as part of a wider plan for early language. It pairs well with rhymes, songs and picture books. Brothers and sisters can play together, and the game can be used again with new words.
Where this fits in learning
Before this game, children enjoy songs, rhymes and stories, and learn to listen carefully to the sounds around them. Clapping along to a favourite nursery rhyme is a good way to get ready for hearing beats in words.
After this, children can move on to listening for the separate sounds in words and blending them together. Sound Button Stepping Stones is a good next sheet for that. Over time, syllable skills also help with spelling longer words.
Check it worked
Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.
- How many claps does your name have?
- Can you think of a word with three claps?
- How did you know how many beats to count?
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Syllable Clap Bingo for?
It is written for Reception, which is ages 4 to 5, in the Early Years Foundation Stage. It can also work for slightly younger or older children who enjoy listening games and clapping.
- What do I need to play?
You need the printed pages, scissors to cut out the cards, and counters to cover the numbers. An adult should do the cutting. Pencils are not needed for the game itself.
- How many people can play?
The game is for two to six players. A grown-up can be one of the players or can be the reader who calls out the words. One adult and one child can play together.
- What if my child finds it too hard?
Say the word slowly and clap along with them. Start with words they know well, such as their own name. Repeat each word twice and let them copy your claps before they try alone.
- Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers and sisters, or to play again with a new group.
- Can teachers use it in class?
Yes. It works as a starter, plenary, table activity or small group game. Teachers need to print it and cut out the cards first. Page 2 has help and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
- Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper. Children can colour the cards in if they like, but it is not needed to play.
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Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.