What’s Up Friends!
This week I want to share a fun game that I designed to play as an icebreaker or get to know you game during the first few weeks of the school year.
You might be familiar with my previous game Exercise Bingo (Check it out HERE)
Adventure Bingo is the same concept, but I rebranded it after some advice from a fellow PE Teacher, Paul Rosengard (see below)
The thing is – Paul is right. I’ve been thinking about this concept a lot lately especially after watching this video. It’s got me pondering idea that as PE teachers maybe we should be focused more on Movement and less on Exercise.
Not that exercise is bad, and not that we shouldn’t teach kids to exercise… but I think we need to realize that most kids will probably not “workout” regularly for the rest of their lives.
We might have a better chance on selling students to be confident movers, adventurers and active livers…
As a PE Teacher, I’m always thinking about how I can get the most bang for my buck – what I mean is:
“Whats the most effective use of my time to impact the lives of my students in the greatest and most positive way?”
That’s one reason why I’m always testing, always experimenting and trying to find the magic sauce that really makes an activity connect with kids and helps them learn a new skill, discover a passion or gain some confidence to try something new.
So… long story long – I redesigned the game to be more about adventure and living active lifestyles (adventure is my theme this year after reading this post by Joey Feith).
Anytime a kid asks why we have P.E. or when I’m explaining the purpose of P.E. Class to a parent, I can always come back to…
“The reason we have P.E. Class is so we can help students develop the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to pursue whatever adventures they want for the rest of their lives”
I also wanted to make the game playable with my 1st and 2nd grade kiddos, so I took out all the words and replaced them with symbols of adventures and activities.
I’ve been playing it with my 1st – 5th grade kiddos and I gotta say – it’s been a hit!
Check out the video below if you want to see how I explain it:
If you want to try it out you can download the BINGO Cards for free below:
Have Fun and Teach On!
Michele Robinson says
Thanks for the cool ice-breaker……
Marcus says
Glad you’re enjoying the resources Michele!
Debra Fox says
Great Game. will probably laminate the cards
Marcus says
Smart Debra!
You could use the cards over again if you laminate them!
Coach Poss says
Thank you for the fun ideas!
Marcus says
You’re welcome Coach!
Brenda McGinnnis says
Thanks
Marcus says
You’re welcome Brenda!
Glad you’re enjoying the resources!
Allye Mullins says
Hey Ben! i would love ro check put your adventure Bingo cards but the link doesn’t work for me. CN you send them a different way
Marcus says
Hey Allye,
Sorry about the issue!
Usually, this issue is related to a school filter, pop-up blocker, or browser caching issue – so we’d recommend trying from another computer, switching browsers, clearing your cache and making sure all pop up blockers have been turned off.
As a another option you can also find some of our products on our Teachers Pay Teachers Page Here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Pe-Specialist
Adventure Bingo
Hope this helps!
Traci Crusinberr says
I appreciate you sharing all your tips & tricks. I use so much of your stuff! Thank you!
Marcus says
You’re welcome Traci!
Glad you’re enjoying the resources!
Chris Rivard says
Welcome Back Ben,
Great stuff as always. Wishing you a fantastic school year!
Thank you!
Marcus says
Thank you Chris!
Hope you have a fantastic year as well!
Leisha Martin says
I keep trying to “purchase” this product but when I hit the “free-purchase” button it just keeps spinning and never does anything. I was wondering if you could help me out on how to get this wonderful product. Thanks so much!
Marcus says
Hey Leisha,
Sorry about the issue!
Usually, this issue is related to a school filter, pop-up blocker, or browser caching issue – so we’d recommend trying from another computer, switching browsers, clearing your cache and making sure all pop up blockers have been turned off.
As a another option you can also find some of our products on our Teachers Pay Teachers Page Here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Pe-Specialist
Just search “Adventure Bingo” in the search box
Let us know if you have any other issues!
Lisa says
Thank you for your great ideas! I can’t find the free printable for Adventure Bingo. Could you help?
Marcus Nellems says
Hey Lisa,
Thanks for the kind words. The free printable is located right after the video explaining the game and before the “Have Fun and Teach On” graphic. Let us know if you can’t find it…
Kristen Walsh says
I’d love to join your community. I teach elementary (K-5) PE in Massachusetts and am always looking to learn more and expand what I’m teaching.
Ben Landers says
Awesome Kristen! You can get more info on our membership on our info page: https://www.thepespecialist.com/info/
karen says
Thank you! I always enjoy the activities you share and the way you teach . Have a great school year!
Sam says
Will give it a try.
Thanks, Ben.
Ayla Horan says
Hello,
I am thinking about using this today for a demo lesson. Which standard would you say this covers? I am new to PE.
Warvin says
????
Amber says
Great idea! What are the symbols on the bottom row? I got wrestling and baseball. I’m guessing on the others but would like to make sure! Thanks!
Ben Landers says
They can be whatever you think they are 🙂 Tennis, Ping Pong, Wrestling/Martial Arts, Throwing/Dodgeball
Cindy says
I do (basically) the same game as Adventure Bingo at the beginning of the year. The only difference is that instead of having them jog a lap after each signature, there’s an exercise (or movement) listed in each square also. Once they get a signature on that square, they do that movement. So there is something different each time. Example…curl ups, jumping jacks, skiers, etc… Works great if you have a smaller space!
Ben Landers says
Great Variation!
Laura Scurto says
Hey Ben,
We love all your ideas and emails! Thanks so much!
Quick question….how do you have your exercise balls/hippity hops stored behind your backboard?? Bungee cords? Netting? How do you get them down and back up there?
Ben Landers says
Yep – It’s an old soccer net that I zip tied to the goal. I have the bottom clipped up with a carribeaner and when we need them I unclip it and they all fall out. To get them back up – we shoot them over the goal like a huge basketball hoop
Lisa Denman says
Hey Ben!!
Love your ideas and games!! I use them ALL the time–and thank you for that!!
I am having a problem downloading “Adventure Bingo”.
I’ve checked with our ‘Computer’ tech and it’s not blocked from our end.
You’re site is ok-I can see your games/videos, but when I tried to
download ‘bingo’ and ‘pass the frog’, it would not open the page.
I’m just wondering is the link right?? Am I doing something wrong?
Any one else having trouble?
Any suggestions?
Ben Landers says
That’s strange – just tested and it worked fine for me… maybe try from a different computer?
After checkout, you should also receive and email with a download link
Dee Owens says
Can you please send me the bingo card attachment or pdf. I can’t find it on this webpage
Ben Landers says
Hey Dee – there’s a red download button under the video
Will Hauser says
Ben,
What is the adventure on the bottom row, third from the left?
Ryan says
Same Question! Looks like fun, doing this tomorrow!
Ben Landers says
Wrestling, Karate or Martial Arts
Ben Landers says
Wrestling, Karate or Martial Arts
April Elmer says
I appreciate your creative ideas!! I am going to try adventure bingo next week!
Ben Landers says
Awesome – hope it goes well