Your child will play a matching game with pairs of objects.
Learning Area(s): Language and Communication; Math
MATERIALS
- 4-5 pairs of matching objects (real or pictures)
- bag or container that the child cannot see through
LET'S PLAY
Introduce the game by having two matching objects or pictures in your hand (like two apples) and explaining to your child the word match. “Today we will play a game called ‘Make a Match.’ A match is when two things are the same. In my hand I have two [name of objects] that are exactly the same.” Describe the parts of the objects that match. “They both have…. They match. Now you are going to have a chance to find things that match!” Feel free to show your child another example if needed.
Place one of each pair of objects on the floor or table for your child to see. Place the rest of the items (which should match those you have laid out) into a bag or container. For example, put one apple in front of your child and the other apple in the bag or container. Do this with all the matches. Invite him to reach into the bag and pull out an object. Ask your child to name the object. Then ask him to find a match for his object from those laid out on the table/floor in front of him. When he finds the correct match, ask him to explain how he knows they match. If he does not correctly match the object or picture, explain why they do not match, pointing out the parts that are different. Allow him to try again, reminding him of what to look for.
TIPS
- Be sure to use familiar objects or pictures when learning how to play this game.
- If your child has difficulty matching, give him information to help him select the correct object. For example, “What color is the banana? Yellow, that’s right. Can you find something else that is yellow?”
- If your child is easily able to match all the items, add in a few more matches to make it more challenging.
- Be sure to celebrate your child’s correct matches with high-fives or hugs.