23 Matching Activities for Preschoolers

Matching activities are a fun and interactive way to teach preschoolers cognitive skills and problem-solving techniques.

These activities not only improve their concentration and memory but also aid in their overall development.

Hence, we will explore some exciting matching activities for preschoolers that are easy to set up and will keep them engaged for hours.

Shape Match-Up:

This activity helps preschoolers practice their shape-recognition skills. Create several sets of shapes using colored construction paper. Cut out shapes such as circles, squares, triangles, rectangles, and diamonds. Mix up the shapes and ask the preschooler to match them by finding the shape that matches the same shape and color. You can gradually increase the difficulty level by introducing more complex shapes.

Alphabet Match-Up:

Source: twinkl.com.pk

This activity helps preschoolers learn to recognize and match letters. Create sets of letter cards, using the uppercase and lowercase versions of each letter. Mix up the cards and ask the preschooler to find the matching uppercase and lowercase letters and place them together. This activity can be customized by focusing on certain letters that the child is struggling with.

Related: 20 Fun Gym Activities for Preschoolers

Color Match-Up:

This activity helps preschoolers learn to recognize and match colors. Create sets of colored cards, using colors such as red, blue, green, yellow, and orange. Mix up the cards and ask the preschooler to find the matching colors and place them together. This activity can be customized by using different shades of the same color or by introducing new colors.

Animal Match-Up:

Source: twinkl.com.pk

This activity helps preschoolers learn to recognize and match different animals. Create sets of animal cards, using pictures of animals such as dogs, cats, horses, cows, and birds. Mix up the cards and ask the preschooler to find the matching animal pairs and place them together. This activity can be customized by introducing different types of animals or by focusing on a particular group of animals.

Related: 10 Music and Movement Activities for Toddlers & Preschoolers

Number Match-Up:

Source: twinkl.com.pk

This activity helps preschoolers learn to recognize and match numbers. Create sets of number cards, using numbers 1-10. Mix up the cards and ask the preschooler to find the matching number pairs and place them together. This activity can be customized by introducing higher numbers or by using a particular number sequence. You can also add counting or addition exercises to make the activity more challenging.

Memory Match:

This classic matching game helps preschoolers develop their memory skills. Create sets of matching cards, using pictures of animals, shapes, colors, or numbers. Shuffle the cards and lay them face down on a flat surface. Ask the preschooler to flip over two cards at a time to see if they match. If the cards match, they get to keep them. The player with the most pairs at the end of the game wins.

Pattern Match-Up:

This activity helps preschoolers develop their pattern recognition skills. Create pattern cards, using simple patterns such as ABAB, AAB, or ABC. Mix up the cards and ask the preschooler to find the matching patterns and place them together. You can gradually increase the difficulty level by using more complex patterns.

Picture Match-Up:

This activity helps preschoolers develop their visual discrimination skills. Create sets of picture cards, using pictures of everyday objects such as toys, fruits, or vehicles. Mix up the cards and ask the preschooler to find the matching picture pairs and place them together. This activity can be customized by introducing new picture themes or by adding more challenging pictures.

Texture Match-Up:

This sensory activity helps preschoolers develop their tactile discrimination skills. Create sets of textured cards, using materials such as sandpaper, fabric, or foam. Mix up the cards and ask the preschooler to find the matching texture pairs and place them together. This activity can be customized by introducing different textures or by using different sizes and shapes of cards.

Related: 20 Best Pre-Writing Activities for Preschoolers

Sound Match-Up:

This auditory activity helps preschoolers develop their listening skills. Create sets of sound cards, using sounds such as animal noises, musical instruments, or household items. Mix up the cards and ask the preschooler to find the matching sound pairs and place them together. This activity can be customized by introducing new sounds or by using different levels of difficulty.

Tropical Animals Match-Up:

Tropical Animals Match-Up is a fun matching activity for preschoolers that helps them learn about different animals found in tropical regions. Create sets of cards, using pictures of different tropical animals such as parrots, monkeys, or toucans. Mix up the cards and ask the preschooler to find the matching animal pairs and place them together. This activity can be customized by using different animal groups or by discussing the habitats and behaviors of tropical animals.

Emotion Match-Up:

This activity helps preschoolers develop their emotional recognition skills. Create sets of emotion cards, using pictures of different facial expressions such as happy, sad, angry, or surprised. Mix up the cards and ask the preschooler to find the matching emotion pairs and place them together. This activity can be customized by introducing new emotions or by using real-life situations to discuss how different emotions are expressed.

Time Match-Up:

Source: twinkl.com.pk

This activity helps preschoolers develop their understanding of time. Create sets of clock cards, using analog or digital clocks showing different times. Mix up the cards and ask the preschooler to find the matching time pairs and place them together. This activity can be customized by using different time intervals or by introducing the concept of elapsed time.

Food Match-Up:

This activity helps preschoolers develop healthy eating habits. Create sets of food cards, using pictures of different fruits, vegetables, grains, or proteins. Mix up the cards and ask the preschooler to find the matching food pairs and place them together. This activity can be customized by introducing new food groups or by discussing the benefits of eating a balanced diet.

Shape and Object Match-Up:

This activity helps preschoolers develop their problem-solving skills. Create sets of cards, using pictures of different objects that can be formed by combining simple shapes. Mix up the cards and ask the preschooler to find the matching shape and object pairs and place them together. This activity can be customized by using more complex objects or by encouraging the preschooler to create their own shapes and objects.

Opposites Match-Up:

Source: twinkl.com.hk

This activity helps preschoolers develop their understanding of opposites. Create sets of cards, using pictures of opposite pairs such as hot/cold, big/small, or happy/sad. Mix up the cards and ask the preschooler to find the matching opposite pairs and place them together. This activity can be customized by using more complex opposites or by using real-life situations to illustrate the concept of opposites.

Nature Rock Match-Up:

Nature Rock Match-Up is a tactile matching activity for preschoolers that involves using rocks to match different nature items. Collect a variety of rocks and paint or draw different nature items on them such as leaves, flowers, or animals. Mix up the rocks and ask the preschooler to find the matching nature pairs and place them together. This activity can be customized by using different nature themes or by incorporating discussions about the different nature items.

Occupation Match-Up:

Source: twinkl.com.pk

This activity helps preschoolers develop their understanding of different occupations. Create sets of cards, using pictures of different professionals such as doctors, firefighters, or teachers. Mix up the cards and ask the preschooler to find the matching occupation pairs and place them together. This activity can be customized by introducing new professions or by discussing the roles and responsibilities of different professionals.

Body Parts Match-Up:

This activity helps preschoolers develop their understanding of the human body. Create sets of cards, using pictures of different body parts such as eyes, ears, or hands. Mix up the cards and ask the preschooler to find the matching body part pairs and place them together. This activity can be customized by using more complex body systems or by discussing the importance of taking care of our bodies.

Color Match-Up:

Source: pinterest.com

This activity helps preschoolers develop their color recognition skills. Create sets of cards, using pictures of different objects of the same color such as red apples, red cars, or red flowers. Mix up the cards and ask the preschooler to find the matching color pairs and place them together. This activity can be customized by using different colors or by introducing patterns or shapes of the same color.

Steve Atkinson

Steve is a kindergarten teacher with over a decade of experience. He is deeply passionate about education, focusing on innovative teaching methods and sharing best practices to enrich early childhood learning.

Leave a Comment