Banana Bingo

"Banana" is a word used quite often in 2nd grade!  I created this banana bingo system several years ago to help us transition quickly and quietly around our classroom.  Whenever the students hear the word "banana" they are to head right back to their seats without voices.  Each time this is accomplished we earn a "banana point."  Once 5 points are earned a number is drawn and a banana is added to that number on our board.  The students have to work hard to also keep their points.  If at any point the class hears "banana split," voices need to go off in order to keep the points we've accumulated.  The class is always very excited when another banana is added and we get closer and closer to a bingo!  Once we get a bingo, we brainstorm a fun way to celebrate as a class. 

We earned our first banana bingo last week.  We brainstormed a list of possible ways to celebrate and then the class voted.  Once a choice is used, it is never repeated.  The class ultimately voted on Electronic Day for our first celebration.  The students were able to bring in a device to use during our afternoon recess.  They enjoyed hanging out with each other while playing games or listening to music.