This is a wonderful activity that develops visual acuity, memory, concentration, fine motor skills, a logical mind, and self confidence (they can easily witness that they have succeeded when the cards are matched). These cards also give children the opportunity to practice speaking as they will naturally chat about the photos they see.

Each packet includes 12 photo cards with a photo on the front and a red dot on the back and 12 identical cards with a photo on the front and a blue dot on the back (24 cards in each packet).  The cards have photos that clearly isolate their subject, rounded corners and come with a reference sheet that lists the names of all subjects and a sample lesson plan all contained in a reusable storage bag.

The dots on the back make it easy to sort into piles. Lay out the red cards face up first and then match the blue cards. No vocabulary is included on these cards (to avoid distractions for pre-
readers) but a small vocabulary list is included with each packet for teacher reference.

You can add challenge by laying out all the cards face down for memory matching—classic fun!

These Matching Cards can be used to teach vocabulary, when playing I Spy sound games, for sorting work (like sorting birds from fish), for writing/artistic inspiration, and, of course, for identical matching work! Children love to match like things together. First, encourage them to match actual objects (like vegetables, blocks, washcloths). Then, you can ease them towards the more abstract work of matching photographs of the things they love (like the vehicles in our Transportation cards or the animals in our Pets packet).

One of the images provided for these cards is detailed instructions on how to use these cards.