DIY Matching Game
This is really easy to make. And, it’s a fun game to play with your toddler. Around 19 months, your child may start showing interest in matching.
Materials
- Camera
- 11lb cover note cards or 4×6” 80 lb. Cardstock
- Animal Toys, Cars, Fruit, Vegetables… Anything!
- Printer
Gather Items for Matching
When you have a moment to yourself (haha) gather a handful of items your little one is familiar with. It could be toy food, real food, a set of cars, some toy figurines, etc. I’ve done this activity before with some animals we had so this time I decided to grab some toy food.
Take Photos
In an area with a lot of light, set up an area that is all white. If you don’t have a white wall, you can tape some paper against the wall. If you don’t have a white surface, throw a pillowcase down. If you have a chair that is relatively flat, you can drape a white towel over it and set up your items in the seat.
Get really close and take your photo. Consider keeping the photo around the same size of the actual item. That way it’s a little easier for the matching activity.
If you need to, try to adjust the lighting to remove any dark shadows or background.
If you have the option to text edit (whether on your Photo app or on your computer) you can add the Korean word to your card. You can also just write on the card or on the back.
Print (& Trim)
Load up your printer with the card stock and print! If you’re using regular-sized paper, trim down your cards. You can use this handy template I made for letter (8.5″x11″ paper.) If you’re worried about pointy edges, use an edge punch. No printer? Send your photos to CVS, Walmart, Target, Walgreens, or Amazon for 4″x6″ prints.
Present & Play
Gather the items and the cards together and show your child their new favorite activity you painstakingly made JUST for them. (You are seriously the best caregiver ever.) I like to lay the cards out and leave the items in a basket on the left. (Supposedly, this helps reinforce left to right reading.)
When my little guy picks up each item, I like to say the word in Korean a few times while he thinks about matching it. I might also say, “- – – 이/가 어디에요?” You might have to guide the activity along a few times before they get the hang of it. If they don’t seem into it, give it a shot again in a week or two.
If you have an older child, you can write the Korean on the side without a photo. Let your child practice reading and matching the items with the words. I can’t wait til we can (hopefully) get to this point one day.
Did you try making this? Have you done matching with your little one? Share any pictures and tag @tigerboomcreative – I’d love to see the fruits of your labor!
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