Matching Activity for Toddlers
If you’re like me, you’ve got way too many toy tools lying around. If I have to put away one more toy bolt… or is it a nut? Whatever. The point is that today I found a good use for these toys — I turned them into a matching activity for toddlers.
When my older kids were younger I would trace cookie cutters and other common objects onto a blank file folder. Then they would match the objects to their tracings. I was reminded of this when I saw this post from Happy Hooligans. Since we’re learning about the letter T, I decided to make a tool tracing for my Two.
First I traced each tool in pencil. Then I removed the tools and went over the lines with permanent marker.
Then my Two matched all the tools to their tracings. This was very easy for him (he’s almost three). But his younger brother is just 14 months old, so we don’t quite have a qualified toddler in the house. This would probably be just right for an older One or young Two.
Just a few minutes later, he was done. He loved this — and if you name the tools as you go (making sure to get the nut/bolt distinction right — I’ve got it now), it’s a great vocabulary builder too.
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Blayne
I love this idea! This is just like making a puzzle, but with stuff around the house! What a great idea. I love that you used it for “Letter T”! So much fun!
annageig
Thank you, Blayne — sometimes the simplest ideas get the most attention! The tricky part, of course, is thinking of them 🙂
Rebecca from Here come the girls
Oh great idea: just letting you know I’ve featured this on The Sunday Showcase
http://www.herecomethegirlsblog.com/2013/04/06/the-sunday-showcase-toddler-activities.html
annageig
Thanks so much for the feature, Rebecca!!
Allison
I love this! Such a great idea. I love that you used REAL materials and not just printables.
Allison
I’m going to feature this on The Sunday Showcase tomorrow.
annageig
Thanks for the feature, Allison! I wish I was stronger at thinking up original ideas with real materials. I rely on creative bloggers like you for that!
Allison
Aw you are too sweet! You have so many great ideas and posts. 🙂
Ashley Rives
LOVE this! I did a similar matching game with household objects, but my little man will adore this! Visiting from TGIF!
annageig
Thanks, Ashley! I appreciate your stopping by.
Kristina @ SchoolTimeSnippets
Super easy and fun idea!! I’ll have to do something similar for my tot soon!
annageig
Thank you, Kristina!
Amy
Wow, what a great idea! So fun!!
annageig
Sometimes easiest is best 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Amy!
Katie @ Gift of Curiosity
Very cute idea!
Sugar Aunts
This is fun! My kiddos would love it 🙂 Thank you for sharing with us at Share It Saturday!
annageig
Thanks for hosting! I enjoy seeing what your family is up to each week.
annageig
Thanks so much for coming by to see it, Jackie! And thanks for the term “theme puzzle” – I have a great name for it now 🙂
jackie @ happy hooligans
I love it! The idea of using the same type of toy, and making it a theme puzzle is great! Thanks for mentioning us in your post. 🙂