Bingo ideas / For the grammar lesson

Contractions Bingo Cards

A game for the lesson on contractions. Call out two words like do and not and students mark the shortened form on their card, so the first to a line shows they can turn it into don't with the apostrophe in the right place.

Free to design and print · edit any square · 3×3, 4×4, or 5×5

Contractions bingo helps young readers see how two words squeeze into one. Each square is a real contraction, so as you call the full words aloud students match cannot to can't and learn where the apostrophe replaces the missing letters.

Start from the template, keep the squares below or pull the contractions straight from this week's reading, and print a card for every student. Each card is shuffled from the same list, so no two grids match and everyone has to listen to win.

Squares for a contractions card
  • Don't
  • Can't
  • Won't
  • I'm
  • You're
  • He's
  • She's
  • It's
  • We're
  • They're
  • Isn't
  • Aren't
  • Wasn't
  • Weren't
  • Didn't
  • Doesn't
  • Haven't
  • Hasn't
  • Wouldn't
  • Couldn't
  • Shouldn't
  • I'll
  • We'll
  • That's

These are just a starting point — swap in your own words in the editor before you print.

Ideas for your game

  • Call the two full words

    Say the words separately, like do and not, and let students find the matching contraction on their card and notice where the apostrophe goes.

  • Reverse it for a challenge

    Call the contraction and have students say the two full words aloud before marking, which checks that they understand what was shortened.

  • Print a stack or play on phones

    Print a class set on letter or A4 paper, or share one link and a QR code so students play from tablets during center time.

Editable and printable

Edit every square. Open the card in the editor, keep the suggested squares or replace them with your own words, emoji, or photos, and pick a theme that fits the day.

Print a whole set at once. Each card is shuffled from the same square list, so every player gets a unique grid. Print to standard letter or A4 paper on any home printer — or order professionally printed cards shipped to your door.

Or play live. Share one link and a QR code and the whole room plays from their phones, in person or over video.

Questions

How do I make contractions bingo cards for free?

Open the editor, choose a theme, keep the contraction squares or type your own, and print. You can design and print a basic class set without paying.

What age group is this best for?

It works well in early elementary grades when students first learn contractions, and you can add harder forms for older readers who need review.

How many cards do I need for a class?

One per student. Each card is shuffled from the same square list, so a class of any size gets unique grids and everyone plays a fair game.

Should the apostrophe show on the square?

Yes, keeping the apostrophe on each square is the point, since it teaches students exactly where the missing letters are replaced in the word.

Keep exploring