The document provides instructions and printable matching games for preschool learning. It explains that matching games help children learn basic concepts like colors, shapes, numbers and letters in a fun way. Parents print the games and play with their child by matching cards. Creating their own personalized games allows children to learn in a challenging but not frustrating manner based on their abilities and interests.
1. Preschool Basics
Home Learning Toolkit
Matching Games
For families
What?
Matching games provide simple and fun ways for children to learn. Simplified Strategies
provides free printable matching games for colors, shapes, rhyming, numbers, and letters. We
also provide a blank template so that family members or children can create their own
matching games.
How?
Print out matching games for the concepts you would like to work on with your child. You or
your child will cut along the dotted lines. Start by simply matching colors, shapes, numbers, or
letters. For a more challenging game, turn the cards upside down in a random order then play
the classic game of memory. Family members can take turns flipping cards over with your
child, trying to remember where the matches are. You can decide whether to frame this as a
cooperative game or a game in which the person with the most matches wins.
Why?
Children are typically expected to be able to recognize and name some shapes, colors, letters
and numbers before entering kindergarten. Frequent, repeated exposure to these concepts
in meaningful and playful contexts (not drilling) helps children learn these basic concepts.
Make it your Own!
As a parent or family member, your unique understanding of your child’s abilities will allow
you to present learning games that are challenging and fun but not frustrating. Remember, it is
easier to recognize and match colors, shapes, numbers, and letters than it is to name them.
Print out the blank matching games template and encourage your child to create his or her
own matching games based on interest and ability. For example, if your child
loves animals, you might work together to create his or her own animal
matching game.
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