Here are three variations of matching games that we have been doing and loving recently. All of these matching activities reinforce colors but using ice tongs for one will help develop the all important pincer grasp, the bean bag game helps with gross motor and the egg one rolls in an Easter theme! Also counting can be added into each for extra credit!
Pinching Pom Poms
- Gather your materials. You will need a divided chip and dip platter or individual bowls. Some scrap paper that matches your pom poms, some tape and ice tongs.
- Cut the paper into pieces that fit into the platters sections, leave the middle blank, it will be the starting point for the pom poms.
- Place the pom poms into the middle
- Start matching, if the tongs are frustrating them, have them do it with their hands.
Easter Egg Match
- Gather your materials. You will need some cheap Easter eggs, a bowl for the eggs to start out in, one container for each egg( mine are old blueberry containers) and matching paper for each color of egg.
- Cut the paper so they line the bottom of the small containers.
- Invite your child to come to the table and start matching. Only help if need be, try not to interrupt.
- Praise and celebrate their success!
Toss & Match
- Gather your materials. You will need some colored bean bags, and some colored construction paper. You could also use laundry baskets with colored towels in them for a target or anything that is obviously the same color.
- Start tossing the bean bags to the target. Toddlers will probably walk up naturally but older children can be challenged to throw the bean bag from a distance, just pop some painters tape on the carpet for them to stay behind.
- Start with just a few colors for little guys and work up to many for older children.