Winter break is the perfect time to keep kids learning—without turning it into “school at home.” If you want something fun, cozy, and super motivating, try Reading Bingo: a simple 25-square challenge where kids choose reading activities, mark them off, and earn small, kind rewards.
In today’s post, you’ll find:
- A ready-to-use Reading Bingo plan for ages 5–9
- Prize ideas that feel exciting (without needing big spending)
- Ways to use this at home, in the library, or in class
- And our Simmo & Benny the Bear sing-along video to make it irresistible
Watch the video: Winter Break Reading Bingo (Simmo & Benny the Bear).
What is Winter Break Reading Bingo?
Reading Bingo turns reading into a game. Instead of saying “Read for 20 minutes,” kids pick from fun squares like:
- Read under a blanket
- Read to a pet (or stuffed animal!)
- Act out a scene
- Draw your favorite part
- Learn 3 new words
They mark off squares as they go, and when they complete a row (across, down, or diagonal), they win a small prize or celebrate a “reading moment.”
The best part: kids feel in control—they choose the squares, and that choice creates motivation.
1) Print the 25-square board
Create a 5×5 grid (or download your free printable) and keep it on the fridge, wall, or reading corner.
2) Choose a square
Kids pick one square per reading session (or two on weekends).
3) Read and mark it off
Use stickers, stamps, or even draw a tiny snowflake.
4) Complete a row and celebrate
A completed row earns a kind prize, a certificate, or a fun family activity.
25 easy Bingo squares (ages 5–9)
Use these ideas to build your printable board:
- Read under a blanket
- Read with a stuffed animal
- Read a funny book
- Read a book about animals
- Read a book about space
- Read a book about friendship
- Read a book with a hero
- Read a book with a dragon
- Read a rhyming book
- Read a comic or graphic book
- Read a library book
- Read a book someone chooses for you
- Read a new book you’ve never read.
- Re-read your favorite book
- Read aloud for 5 minutes
- Read quietly for 10 minutes
- Read to a parent/caregiver
- Read to a sibling
- Read to a pet (or pretend pet!)
- Point to 5 new words and talk about them
- Act out one scene
- Draw your favorite part
- Tell someone the story in 1 sentence.
- Find a “wow word” and use it in a sentence.
- Cozy reading corner: pillows + book + smile
Tip: Put an easy “FREE SPACE” in the middle if you want a gentler challenge.
Kind prize ideas (no pressure, lots of joy)
You don’t need big prizes—kids mostly want recognition and fun.
Low-cost prizes
- Sticker sheet or stamp card
- “Reading Star” printable certificate
- Choose tonight’s bedtime story
- Pick a new library book first (“VIP picker”)
- Extra 10 minutes of a favorite activity
Experience prizes
- Park trip or playground visit
- Build a reading fortnight
- Family hot cocoa and story time
- “Book picnic” on the floor with pillows
- Movie night after a reading row is completed
Pro tip: Keep prizes predictable and kind. The goal is a positive reading habit.
Make it work for every kind of reader he’s cooked.
For kids who are learning to read
- Mix in picture books, early readers, and read-aloud time
- Use “Read with a grown-up” squares.
- Celebrate effort, not speed
For strong readers
- Add squares like “Read a nonfiction fact book” or “Teach someone 3 new words.”
- Encourage variety: comics, mysteries, animal facts, poetry
For busy families
- Do “micro-reading” (5–10 minutes)
- One square a day is enough to feel progress.
Teachers and librarians: easy group version
Reading Bingo works beautifully for classrooms and library programs:
- Print boards for each child
- Let kids stamp squares after reading time.
- Celebrate weekly with a quick “Bingo shout-out.”
- Display a class poster board where kids add snowflake stickers together.
You can also pair this with a “Book Talk Minute” where kids share one sentence about what they read.
Download the free printable board.
Join the challenge (and tell us your book!)
Play the video, print the board, and start marking squares. Then come back and comment:
What book are you reading today?
Simmo & Benny would love to hear your favorites!
