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.
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?
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?
Go to the end of this post to print. Each activity consists of two pages.
One of the pages will have thick borders around each picture. Cut a straight line next to each picture.
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 🙂 .)
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!)
Aren’t they pretty?
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.
Ready to play!
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 the Food matching activity HERE.
Get the Transportation matching activity HERE.
Get the Around the House matching activity HERE.
Get the Animals matching activity HERE.
Looking for more toddler activities? We own and LOVE this ebook!
More resources
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Looking for more activities for your toddler? Follow me on Pinterest!
Follow The Measured Mom’s board Toddler Play Ideas on Pinterest.
© 2014 – 2020, Anna G. All rights reserved.
Royena says
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.
Anna Geiger says
So glad to hear it, Royena! Thanks so much for stopping by.
Meghan says
Love these! Making sets for my 2 and my 4 for our upcoming road trip! Love magnetic things for the car.
Anna Geiger says
Hope they enjoy them!
Glennys says
I tried printing them but it said item doesn’t exists ?
Anna Geiger says
These tips should help! https://www.themeasuredmom.com/how-to-download-free-files/
Mary says
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!
Anna Geiger says
You’re very welcome, Mary!
Vicki Patterson, retired RN says
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
laila says
The links no longer work 🙁
Anyway to get them?
Anna Geiger says
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/
Keren says
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 🙂
Anna Geiger says
Great idea! I’m glad to hear that you can use these.
Mijn Byun says
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!
Anna Geiger says
You’re very welcome, Mijn! I hope you find many things here you can use. 🙂
Swetha says
Hi, this is awesome but, I can’t download .😒
Anna Geiger says
Hi Swetha,
Usually one of the solutions on this page works:
https://www.themeasuredmom.com/how-to-download-free-files/
Swetha says
Hi Anna,
Got them. Downloaded using laptop. Thank you 🙂
Cheryl says
These are exactly what I was looking for. thank you so much for taking your time to create such wonderful activities.
Anna G says
I’m so glad you can use these, Cheryl!
Judith Cooley says
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.
Anna G says
That’s a delightful surprise, Judith! It’s wonderful to hear about the love and care you are giving to your husband.