While helping to prepare eighth-graders to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, Blanche Toole found herself reviewing the educational program that she had mapped out.
“I made sure I covered everything my students needed to know,” she said, noting that, still, something was missing. “I thought – where is the fun part of this plan? So I thought of creating a game that we could play and still learn what they needed to know for Confirmation.”
And thus – the concept behind “Gammie’s BibleLingo” was born.
Toole, a member of The Parish of Saint Monica, Atlantic City, has been a substitute teacher at their school for a decade, spending time with each grade level, assisting in the office and even helping in the cafeteria. Her duties include helping to prepare children for their First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
With the initial idea of a “Confirmation Bingo,” Toole adapted the traditional Bingo card design to include cards with words, instead of Bingo numbers, that hold the answers to questions the students should know about Confirmation.
“The students had so much fun playing that game,” she said. “Soon after I would enter the classroom, they would ask if they could play ‘Confirmation Bingo.’ It was such an inspiring moment not only for me, but because they learned from playing the game.”
Toole also noticed that the students who had played the game were much more knowledgeable about Confirmation than another class of students who had not yet experienced it.
Seeing the success of the game for Confirmation preparation, Toole went on to create a version for children preparing to receive their First Holy Communion – “Gammie’s First Communion Blingo” – but she didn’t stop there.
“I simply loved doing that project, so it prompted me to venture on a similar project not just for Confirmation but anyone who wants to learn more about the Bible,” she said, adding how she personally enjoys reading, and re-reading, the Bible.
Toole tested a Bible study version of the game with her two grandsons and her great-grandson, and shared it with friends; they all had rave reviews.
“’BibleLingo’ is now a finished project,” she said. “It is such a fun way of learning the Bible, perfect for families, small prayer groups, Sunday school programs or any church or family activity.”
Toole went on to copyright the game concept, and has a trademark pending. The “BibleLingo” game is available for purchase, and includes 15 cards encompassing the Old Testament and New Testament, chips, a caller card, an erasable marker and questions – all packed together in a box.
“This game is for everyone and will last a lifetime,” she said.
Father Robert Hughes, parish pastor, has seen the positive reception the game has received as parishioners rushed to order their own copies.
“I thought that it was a clever concept, especially for Catholics,” he said, “since it focuses on knowledge of the Scriptures – often a weakness for Catholics.”
Those interested in learning more about the game can contact Toole at gammiesbiblelingo@gmail.com.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
