A spelling game for the tricky i-before-e rule. Read a word aloud and students mark whether it is spelled with ie or ei, marking the right square on their grid.
Free to design and print · edit any square · 3×3, 4×4, or 5×5
Words-with-ie-and-ei bingo gives students repeated practice on one of the hardest spelling patterns in English. Start from a chalkboard template, keep the real words below or add this week's list, and you have cards ready to print before the spelling block begins.
Because every card is shuffled from the same square list, each student gets a different grid, so the class can play together while everyone still has to spell and find their own ie and ei words to mark.
These are just a starting point — swap in your own words in the editor before you print.
Sort by the rule
Ask students to call out whether each word follows i before e or breaks it after c, so they practice the rule while they hunt for the square.
Mix in the exceptions
Save a few squares for tricky words like weird, seize, and height that break the rhyme, so students learn the common exceptions too.
Print a stack or play on devices
Print a card per student for the desk, or share one link and a QR code so a tablet classroom can mark squares on screen instead.
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.
How do I make ie and ei bingo for free?
Open the editor, pick a classroom theme, keep the suggested words or type your own spelling list, and print a basic set without paying.
Which words should I include?
Mix words that follow i before e, like believe and field, with ones that flip after c or sound long, like receive and weight, plus exceptions.
How many cards do I need?
One per student. Each card is randomly shuffled from the same square list, so the whole class can play and still get unique grids.
Can I print them on regular paper?
Yes. The print view is sized for standard letter and A4 paper, so any classroom printer works for a quick stack before the lesson.