Turn finding new books into a game. Pupils collect recommendations from friends, teachers, booksellers, or librarians to fill every square of their bingo sheet. This activity helps pupils explore new genres, share favourites, and discover books they might not try on their own.
Why it works
Book recommendation bingo encourages choice and collaboration. Pupils practise sharing opinions, listening to others, and explaining their reasoning. They are more likely to try books outside their usual preferences. The game format adds fun, motivation, and a sense of achievement while supporting speaking, listening, and decision-making skills.
How to use it
Give each pupil a bingo sheet and ask them to collect a book idea for every square, from a favourite author to a genre they have never tried. Encourage pupils to talk about why each recommendation is worth reading and to share their thoughts with friends, teachers, or the class. This helps pupils practise explaining their choices while discovering new books and ideas together.
Try it in class
- Pair pupils with reading buddies to discuss their recommendations
- Ask pupils to present their top choice to the class
- Offer small rewards for completing the sheet or reading a recommended book
- Use it as a warm-up activity before a reading lesson
- Encourage pupils to revisit their sheet and try books they initially skipped
Get Started
Download the book recommendation bingo sheet and share it with your class. Pupils can begin collecting recommendations right away and enjoy discovering new books together. The sheet makes it simple to turn reading into a playful, collaborative activity that sparks discussion and inspires new reading habits.