Matching games support cognitive development and are similar to sorting games. They can help children understand groups, similarities and differences. They can be integrated into any area of an early childhood curriculum.
Children can match shapes, patterns, colours, numbers, letters, animals, objects, sounds and pictures of people.
EYLF Learning Outcomes
Matching games help children become strong in their mental wellbeing (3.1) and develop confidence, creativity, enthusiasm and persistence (4.1). Matching games teach children skills in problem-solving, inquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating (4.2). Children will gain skills that can be transferred and adapted between contexts (4.3).
Learning experiences
Match different things
Children can match:
- sounds to objects
- pairs of objects (e.g. socks and shoes)
- photos to real people
- numbers to quantities
- baby animals to their parents
- capital letters to lower-case letters
- and letters to sounds.
Make a matching game
Educators can help children:
- choose a theme for the game
- draw or print images or symbols
- create pairs of each item
- cut out the pieces
- and use the pieces to play a matching game.
Play matching games in different ways
Children can play matching games by:
- playing solo to improve focus
- working with a partner to encourage cooperation
- setting time limits to increase the challenge
- using a blindfold for a sensory twist
- and creating outdoor versions using natural items.