This set of 9 printable matching card games is instantly downloadable in PDF format and will make a great addition to your memory game collection in class or at home.
There are a variety of matching pairs of images in various themes, as well as colours, numbers and shapes, that are perfect for preschool and kindergarten-age children.
Here is a peek at the 9 printable preschool matching games:
How to Prepare the Cards
- Choose the sets of cards you’d like to print.
- Print two copies of each page to make pairs of matching cards.
- Print it onto cardstock or poster board paper so that it is durable and also so that you don’t see the pictures from the back.
- Optional: laminate the pages to make the cards last even longer.
- Cut out the individual cards.
How to Play the Memory Game
- This game can be played with 2 or more children.
- Choose how many pairs of matching cards you would like to play with – young children can start with 3 or 4 pairs, and older children can go up to 24 pairs.
- Lay them all face down and shuffle them.
- Players take turns turning over two cards at a time.
- If they match, the player keeps the cards.
- If they don’t match, the player must turn them face down again.
- In the end, the player with the most pairs of cards wins the game.
- Playing with toddlers? Shuffle and lay all the cards face up, and let toddlers find the matching pairs.
Benefits of Playing Memory Games
Here are just a few of the skills that playing memory games improves:
- Visual memory
- Visual discrimination
- Attention span
- Fine motor coordination
- Social skills – turn-taking and cooperation
- Matching
- Vocabulary
- Shapes, colours and number concept
Printable Matching Games
Here is a look at all the matching games in the printable PDF:
1. Fruit Memory Game
12 picture cards of various fruits:
2. Shape Memory Game
12 picture cards of two and three-dimensional shapes:
3. Ocean Memory Game
24 picture cards with ocean-themed images:
4. Fun Things Memory Game
12 picture cards of children’s toys:
5. Colour Memory Game
12 picture cards of different colours:
6. ‘Things That Go’ Memory Game
24 picture cards with transportation-themed images:
7. Number Memory Game
9 cards with dots representing the numbers 1 to 9:
8. Bugs Memory Game
12 picture cards of various bugs:
9. African Animals
24 picture cards of animals, reptiles and birds found in Africa:
Click below to get your copy of the matching cards:
Here are more memory games for children as well as the top classic games for preschoolers.