Apple Bingo Game for Kids – Free SEL Activity

In the beautiful season of Fall, as the leaves begin to change and kids get settled into their preschool and kindergarten routines, try this new fun activity: the Apple Bingo Game. Centered on the fall theme of apples, this fun fall activity is not just about filling up bingo cards but offers a unique twist. And the best part? You can download the free printable apple bingo game to boost social emotional learning, fine motor, and visual perceptual skills! This free game is from the complete Fall SEL Bingo Game packet.

Apple Bingo: Not Just a Game

While the traditional apple unit typically revolves around juicy tales of Johnny Appleseed and hands-on apple activities, the Apple Bingo game dives deeper. Through the lens of apple emotions, children get to explore their feelings and vocabulary in a relatable and engaging manner. 

The ten apple emotions include: 

• happy
• excited
• confused
• tired
• nervous
• proud
• angry
• shy
• sad
• sick

Each of these emotions has been beautifully depicted on apples, making it easier for toddlers and preschoolers to understand and relate to them.

Apple Bingo: Prepping for the Game

To get started, first, download the free four-page PDF printable packet the Creative COTA has created for you. Choose from full-color boards or the more ink-friendly black and white boards. 

The fun way to engage kids is to let them be a part of the prep process. The student cuts out the apples showcasing the different emotions and pastes them onto their game board. Make sure the resources are durable enough for the eager hands of children – thick paper or card stock would be ideal.

For the teacher, occupational therapy provider, counselor, etc. there are apple emotion calling cards to cut apart. 

Apple Bingo: How to Play

The rules are simple. Every time an emotion is called out, students have to find the corresponding apple on their bingo cards and cover it. Whether they use chips, tokens, or even hand-drawn circles, the objective is the same. When a student gets three emotions in a row or fills their entire apple bingo board, they shout “Bingo!” and win.

The game is flexible enough to be played in various settings – from group activities, individual related service session, class parties to family literacy nights. It’s a lot of fun and a great way for kids to both learn and express their feelings.

Apple Bingo: Beyond Bingo

Beyond the bingo game, this activity offers a rich array of learning opportunities. You can discuss each emotion in detail, using examples from day-to-day life. It’s an excellent way for teachers and parents to initiate conversations about feelings, especially in the delicate preschool and kindergarten years.

Plus, with the apple theme in full swing during September, why not incorporate more apple-themed activities? Check out some of our favorites:

• Apple tracing worksheets – free
• Apple gross motor activity – free printable
• Printable apple craft
• Free directed drawing sample pages

Apple Bingo: The Benefits

Playing the Apple Bingo game is not just for a therapy session or fun Fridays activity; it’s an enriching experience that combines social-emotional learning with fine motor skills practice. Cutting, pasting, and aligning the apple emotions on the game board can greatly enhance the child’s fine motor skills.

Moreover, recognizing and naming emotions, especially through the apple-themed bingo game visuals, aids in vocabulary enhancement and offers practical ways for children to understand their feelings.