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PSPKK12328 Comments

Printable Free Matching Activities for Toddlers

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In anticipation of a looong car ride, I created these simple matching activities for toddlers.  If I give my Two a magnetic baking sheet, he can do them right on his lap.

matching activities for toddlers

Every day my toddler reminds me that he’s no longer a baby.  He requests big books now (no more board books!), is starting to learn the alphabet, and is eager to do whatever his older siblings are doing.

Most of what I’ve shared on this blog is for ages 3 and up, but it’s time to start creating activities for my Two as well.

What are these matching activities for toddlers?

matching activity 9

I’ve created four sets.  Each set consists of two pages of matching pictures around a particular theme (Food, Transportation, Animals, and Around the House).  Keep reading to learn how to assemble them.

Why are these activities useful?

1. They’re a vocabulary builder. I chose simple themes with basic pictures so that your child can use vocabulary he already has — and, with your help, add to it.

2. They provide matching practice, an important early math skill.

3. They are great for packing in a bag to use in the waiting room or in the car. They’ll also keep your toddler busy while you get dinner on the table.

Can you teach this skill without a printable?

Absolutely!  Put a bunch of matching items into a large box.  Work with your toddler to group the objects that are the same.  You can use canned goods, silverware, toys, clothes… the possibilities are endless!

But sometimes you need something now – no assembly required.  If you do the work on these ahead of time, they’ll be waiting for you.

How do you assemble the matching activities?

matching activity 1

Go to the end of this post to print. Each activity consists of two pages.

matching activity 2

One of the pages will have thick borders around each picture.  Cut a straight line next to each picture.

matching activity 3

Now that you’ve cut close to the circles, you’ll be able to use a large circle punch to cut out each one.  (Cutting by hand works too 🙂 .)

matching activity 4

If you want this activity to last, be sure to laminate both the plain board and the circles for durability. (I do not know what I would do without our affordable home laminator — it’s seriously one of the best purchases I’ve made!)

matching activity 5

Aren’t they pretty?

matching activity 6

I decided to make this a magnetic activity so it will work well in the car.  Adhesive magnetic strips work pretty well.  You could use clear Velcro dots if you want.  If your toddler won’t be bothered by the circles getting moved around when he bumps them, you could skip this step entirely.

matching activity 7

Ready to play!

matching activity 8

A magnetic baking sheet is the perfect surface for playing. I’m hoping that when we’re in the car, the edges will catch anything that might spill.

My Two really loves these, and I hope your toddler or preschooler will, too!

Get your free Toddler Matching Activities!

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD

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Filed Under: General

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Reader Interactions

28 Comments

  1. Judith Cooley

    May 29, 2018 at 9:36 am

    My husband has had three strokes since 2008, This last one in 2017, left him with vascular dementia. which really means he is a two year old child again. I had such a time with him putting things in his mouth so I looked up adult pacifiers. I found them on a strange site. lol We have gone from playing scrabble every day to playing Go Fish or memory matching. Just thought you’d like to know you have helped a completely different age range you probably wouldn’t have thought of. So thank you for sharing your art work with us.

    Reply to this comment
    • Anna G

      June 2, 2018 at 1:42 pm

      That’s a delightful surprise, Judith! It’s wonderful to hear about the love and care you are giving to your husband.

      Reply to this comment
  2. Cheryl

    August 4, 2017 at 2:55 pm

    These are exactly what I was looking for. thank you so much for taking your time to create such wonderful activities.

    Reply to this comment
    • Anna G

      August 12, 2017 at 8:48 am

      I’m so glad you can use these, Cheryl!

      Reply to this comment
  3. Swetha

    January 22, 2017 at 11:48 pm

    Hi, this is awesome but, I can’t download .?

    Reply to this comment
    • Anna Geiger

      January 23, 2017 at 5:11 am

      Hi Swetha,
      Usually one of the solutions on this page works:

      https://www.themeasuredmom.com/how-to-download-free-files/

      Reply to this comment
      • Swetha

        January 23, 2017 at 3:28 pm

        Hi Anna,
        Got them. Downloaded using laptop. Thank you 🙂

        Reply to this comment
  4. Mijn Byun

    June 21, 2016 at 5:59 pm

    Hi, Thank you so much for sharing and introducing this great printable matching board.
    and I was also impressed with the magnetic baking sheet idea from you.
    I’m sure I can use this activity or your idea for other activities usefully.
    Thanks!

    Reply to this comment
    • Anna Geiger

      June 26, 2016 at 3:36 pm

      You’re very welcome, Mijn! I hope you find many things here you can use. 🙂

      Reply to this comment
  5. Keren

    June 16, 2016 at 5:18 pm

    thank you, these are great for my special needs class. I will bury them in beans or rice so the children have a sensory experience as well 🙂

    Reply to this comment
    • Anna Geiger

      June 18, 2016 at 12:22 pm

      Great idea! I’m glad to hear that you can use these.

      Reply to this comment
  6. laila

    January 30, 2016 at 9:23 pm

    The links no longer work 🙁

    Anyway to get them?

    Reply to this comment
    • Anna Geiger

      January 31, 2016 at 5:24 pm

      They work for me, Iaila. Try all these tips and let me know if it still doesn’t work for you!

      https://www.themeasuredmom.com/how-to-download-free-files/

      Reply to this comment
  7. Vicki Patterson, retired RN

    March 2, 2015 at 11:20 am

    Dear Anna,

    I do Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes for children around the world via Franklin Graham’s charity, Samaritan’s Purse. If I laminated these, they would be perfect for the boxes of the 2-4 year old children. I always like to send something fun but educational as well, along with school supplies, soap, toothbrush and paste, etc. I wanted your permission, however, before I used them. They are not sold but they may be sent anywhere around the world. Thank you for your consideration, Vicki

    Reply to this comment
  8. Mary

    July 11, 2014 at 8:50 am

    Wonderful post, love the idea of making this for a road trip. It can work so well even as a waiting for dinner game… and so on. Thank YOU!

    Reply to this comment
    • Anna Geiger

      July 17, 2014 at 8:08 am

      You’re very welcome, Mary!

      Reply to this comment
  9. Meghan

    May 30, 2014 at 4:32 pm

    Love these! Making sets for my 2 and my 4 for our upcoming road trip! Love magnetic things for the car.

    Reply to this comment
    • Anna Geiger

      June 1, 2014 at 7:58 pm

      Hope they enjoy them!

      Reply to this comment
      • Glennys

        June 30, 2016 at 11:05 am

        I tried printing them but it said item doesn’t exists ?

        Reply to this comment
        • Anna Geiger

          June 30, 2016 at 11:09 am

          These tips should help! https://www.themeasuredmom.com/how-to-download-free-files/

          Reply to this comment
  10. Royena

    May 16, 2014 at 4:15 pm

    This will be great for my son, and I know his sister (older child) will want a go at it too. You’ve made planning a little bit easier, thank you.

    Reply to this comment
    • Anna Geiger

      June 1, 2014 at 7:57 pm

      So glad to hear it, Royena! Thanks so much for stopping by.

      Reply to this comment

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