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 your free Toddler Matching Activities!
Love Freebies?
Subscribing to our email newsletter is completely free. And when you do, you'll get access to our library of subscriber freebies! Sign up below to get access to a wonderful variety of math and literacy resources.
