Match Me Card Game

This game requires kids to wait for turns, so keep the pace lively. As each match is accomplished, respond with enthusiasm (even if you have to fake it a little).

Objectives

Children ages 4 and up can recognize identical pictures of objects Lang. IB
and they can classify objects according to form, color, use, and materials Lang. IIA
and children ages 1 ½-2 years can name pictures of common objects Lang. IB
All children in the group will learn to follow directions of group game.

 
 
 

Materials

Cards with pictures of common objects; pictures should include clothes, toys, utensils, tools—in duplicate.

Procedures

1. Seat children around a table. Deal 5 cards to each child (and teacher) face up on the table. Identify the pictures on your cards naming and pointing to each. Ask, "Who has a match for my (bear)?" If the child who has the matching picture does not respond, hold up the card to be matched. If necessary, hold the card next to the child’s card and ask, "Jason, do you have a match for my bear?" The matching cards are then placed in the center of the table.

2. Go around the circle with each child in turn choosing a card and asking for a match. Younger children may not be able to repeat the entire question. Help by asking them to name the card they want matched and repeating the question for them.

3. When all the cards have been paired by name of object, deal again and ask for a match by some characteristic: "Who has a match for something round (red, furry, etc.)?"

4. On the next deal, match the cards by function (cook with, play with etc.). After the children are familiar with the game, questions may be mixed within one deal. Other cues such as rhyming words may be used.