Toddlers will practice recognizing, naming, and matching colors using colored cards.
Learning Area(s): Language and Communication; Math
MATERIALS
- Construction paper in various colors
- Scissors
LET'S PLAY
Before beginning the game, cut two cards of each color of construction paper. Create two piles by putting one of each colored card into each pile.
Hold one set of cards and lay out the other set on a table or on the floor for your child. It’s best that the table or floor be of a solid color (as opposed to a pattern) to help children visually focus on the colored cards.
Begin by laying down or holding up one card and saying, “We are going to play a color game! Look, I have a red card. Can you find the other red card?” Encourage your child to find the red card to make a match. If your child is correct, celebrate the match and put the two matching cards on top of each other. Then try the next color. If your child chooses a card that is not correct, say something like, “That card is blue. Look at my red card. This color is red. Can you find one that looks just like my red card?” Move your card closer to the cards your child is choosing from, and give her another chance to find a match. Continue this process until she finds a correct match.
Once all of the color cards have been matched, review all of the colors one more time with your child. Help her identify and say the name of each color.
TIPS
- For young children, you can start with only three or four colors. As your child experiences success with three colors, more colors can be added.
- Your child can also play this game alone by matching her set of colored cards to a set laying out on the table.