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PSPKK12325 Comments

Simple matching activity

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Do you have way too many toy tools sitting around? Turn them into a matching activity for toddlers.

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.

traced toy tools

First I traced each tool in pencil.  Then I removed the tools and went over the lines with permanent marker.

child placing toy tools on paper

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.

toy tools on paper

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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Filed Under: Visual discrimination Tagged With: preschool, matching

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Reader Interactions

25 Comments

  1. Blayne

    April 7, 2013 at 7:52 pm

    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!

    Reply to this comment
    • annageig

      April 9, 2013 at 7:12 pm

      Thank you, Blayne — sometimes the simplest ideas get the most attention! The tricky part, of course, is thinking of them 🙂

      Reply to this comment
  2. Rebecca from Here come the girls

    April 6, 2013 at 3:43 pm

    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

    Reply to this comment
    • annageig

      April 6, 2013 at 8:07 pm

      Thanks so much for the feature, Rebecca!!

      Reply to this comment
  3. Allison

    April 5, 2013 at 9:40 pm

    I love this! Such a great idea. I love that you used REAL materials and not just printables.

    Reply to this comment
    • Allison

      April 5, 2013 at 10:36 pm

      I’m going to feature this on The Sunday Showcase tomorrow.

      Reply to this comment
    • annageig

      April 6, 2013 at 8:19 pm

      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!

      Reply to this comment
      • Allison

        April 8, 2013 at 1:14 am

        Aw you are too sweet! You have so many great ideas and posts. 🙂

        Reply to this comment
  4. Ashley Rives

    April 5, 2013 at 1:45 pm

    LOVE this! I did a similar matching game with household objects, but my little man will adore this! Visiting from TGIF!

    Reply to this comment
    • annageig

      April 6, 2013 at 8:19 pm

      Thanks, Ashley! I appreciate your stopping by.

      Reply to this comment
  5. Kristina @ SchoolTimeSnippets

    April 5, 2013 at 10:43 am

    Super easy and fun idea!! I’ll have to do something similar for my tot soon!

    Reply to this comment
    • annageig

      April 6, 2013 at 8:21 pm

      Thank you, Kristina!

      Reply to this comment
  6. Amy

    April 5, 2013 at 8:31 am

    Wow, what a great idea! So fun!!

    Reply to this comment
    • annageig

      April 5, 2013 at 8:46 am

      Sometimes easiest is best 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Amy!

      Reply to this comment
  7. Katie @ Gift of Curiosity

    April 4, 2013 at 10:27 pm

    Very cute idea!

    Reply to this comment
  8. Sugar Aunts

    April 2, 2013 at 12:35 pm

    This is fun! My kiddos would love it 🙂 Thank you for sharing with us at Share It Saturday!

    Reply to this comment
    • annageig

      April 2, 2013 at 12:44 pm

      Thanks for hosting! I enjoy seeing what your family is up to each week.

      Reply to this comment
  9. annageig

    March 30, 2013 at 6:30 am

    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 🙂

    Reply to this comment
  10. jackie @ happy hooligans

    March 30, 2013 at 6:24 am

    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. 🙂

    Reply to this comment

Trackbacks

  1. Free Tools & Machines Preschool Lesson Plans - Stay At Home Educator says:
    September 22, 2022 at 12:44 pm

    […] Match-Up– Grab some of your preschooler’s toy tools and paper and a black marker. Trace around the tools and invite your preschooler to match them up. […]

    Reply to this comment
  2. 365 Fun Activities for Kids - Here Come The Girls says:
    February 20, 2022 at 1:30 am

    […] Toy Tool Match Up from The Measured Mom […]

    Reply to this comment
  3. Tools + Construction Unit – The Learn + Live Letter says:
    January 14, 2021 at 8:50 am

    […] 2: Make a tool puzzle and practice matching with a plastic tool set. If you don’t have a play tool set in your home, […]

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  4. 12 Incredibly Fun Construction Activities for Preschoolers says:
    July 29, 2020 at 6:43 am

    […] The source photo and full instructions for this one can be found here at The Measured Mom. […]

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  5. 7 Montessori Sensory Activities for 1 y/o – Week 3 | Mama's Happy Hive says:
    May 12, 2014 at 1:48 pm

    […] Three:  This next activity was inspired by “The Measured Mom” blog.  I think this activity is really cool and will be super fun… for a child a bit older […]

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  6. The Sunday Showcase: Toddler Activities - Here Come the Girls says:
    April 6, 2013 at 2:49 pm

    […] Toy Tool Match Up from The Measured Mom […]

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