🧧 Lunar New Year bingo

How to play Lunar New Year bingo

Lunar New Year begins on a new moon between January 21 and February 20. In 2027 it falls on February 6 and starts the Year of the Goat (also called the Sheep or Ram). It is celebrated across East and Southeast Asia and by communities around the world, and this list reflects that: Chinese New Year traditions such as red envelopes, spring couplets, the reunion dinner and the Lantern Festival; Tết in Vietnam, with bánh chưng and peach blossoms; and Seollal in Korea, with tteokguk soup and bowing to elders. All twelve zodiac animals are on the list, which makes a good classroom hook: students can look up their own animal before the game. It works for a classroom celebration, a library program or a family evening during the 15 days of the festival.

1. Introduce the holiday and the zodiac story first. Bingo works best once the words are familiar.
2. Print the cards, 2 per page, and use small red paper circles or chocolate coins as markers.
3. Call words with the caller. When a zodiac animal is called, ask who was born in that year.
4. The first full line wins, and the winner gets a (paper) red envelope.

Tips for a better game

• Families celebrate differently. Invite students who celebrate to add a word from their own tradition.
• For young children, use 3×3 cards with the zodiac animals only.
• Pair it with a paper-lantern craft, and hang the finished cards next to the lanterns.