Matching Games for Teachers
Explore matching games for kids created by teachers to play in maths class, English rotations and more! Get students excited about learning with fun games designed to help them increase their attention to detail and classify objects.
This collection of printable and digital games was created by the expert teachers on the Teach Starter team with kids (and teachers) in mind. It includes curriculum-aligned activities designed to promote active learning and primary student participation, helping them improve their ability to find similarities and differences in objects.
Haven't used a matching in your classroom and want to know more? Or maybe you just want some fresh ideas for your classroom. Either way, read on for a primer from our teacher team!
What Is a Matching Game?
Sometimes referred to as a memory game, matching games typically consist of a set of cards or tiles that are laid out face down. The objective of the game is to find pairs by turning over two cards at a time until all matches have been made.
This fun game concept has been used in classrooms for years, based on the concept of memory or concentration games, which have roots dating back to the 19th century.
Of course, the games have evolved over time! The traditional format has been transformed into interactive digital versions, and you'll find matching games right here on Teach Starter that students can play online on their tablets or classroom computer!
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Push and Pull Examples – Matching Game
Have students explore examples of push and pull forces with this matching game to use during your forces and motion science unit.
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2 Digit Subtraction Model Match-Up
Use a rigorous subtraction matching game to match subtraction word problems with number sentences, bar models, and solutions.
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Number Line Match-Up Activity (Up to 120)
Match two-digit whole numbers on a number line with this set of 32 task cards.
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Chick Counting Activity - Numbers 1-20
Practise recognising, counting and subitising numbers from 1-20 with this Easter-themed counting activity.
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Prime Factorisation Match-Up
Practise how to find the prime factorisation of a number with this match-up activity.
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Number Match Treasure Hunt
Have students gather the treasure and make matches of numerals, quantities and number names with this match-up activity.
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Matching Direct and Indirect Speech
Investigate the differences between direct and indirect speech with this match-up activity.
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Weathering, Erosion and Deposition Matching Game
Challenge your students to identify different slow changes to Earth’s surface with this matching game designed for year 4 and 5 students.
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Pictograph and Bar Graph Match-Up (Single-Unit Intervals)
Use data analysis skills to match frequency tables with a corresponding bar graph or pictograph.
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Fraction Models – Match-Up Activity
Practise matching fractions to their word form, shaded model and number line model with this match-up activity.
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Consonant Digraphs Match-Up Activity
Complete words using the correct consonant digraph with this set of match-up cards.
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Building Sundaes with Vowel Teams (AI, AY, EE and EA)
Decode words with ay, ai, ea and ee long vowel teams by crafting cute desserts!
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Blending Phonemes Secret Message – Matching Activity
Blend phonemes to build words and uncover the secret message!
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Statement, Question, Command, Explanation – Match Up Cards
A set of 32 match up cards to use when teaching younger students about the four types of sentences.
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Subitising 1 to 12 - Domino Cards
A set of dominoes to use in the classroom when learning to subitise numbers from 1 to 12.
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Data Match-Up Cards (Set 2)
A match-up activity for students to use when exploring data.
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Alphabet Order Activity
A fun match-up activity to help teach children the alphabet, letters and sounds.
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Numbers, Words, Dots and Tallies Match-Up Activity - 1 to 20
A game to help your students understand numbers and all of the different ways they can be represented.
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Estimating Sums and Differences Matching Activity and Extension Task
Guide your students to estimate addition and subtraction sentences by rounding and compatible numbers with this matching activity.
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Classroom Procedure Activity - Do or Don't? Sort
Identify proper school and classroom procedures with this sorting activity.
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100 More , 100 Less Matching Game (Three-Digit Numbers)
Match 3-digit number cards to find pairs that are 100 more or 100 less of each other.
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Australian Citizenship Values - Match-Up Activity
Learn key vocabulary terms related to Australia’s citizenship values with this set of hands-on match-up cards.
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Hands-On Numbers 1-10 Caterpillar Activity
Match numbers 1-10 with their various visual representations to build a fun mathematical caterpillar!
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Rhyme Time – Match-Up Activity
A set of 32 match-up cards for students to practise rhyming.
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Friends of 20 – Addition Match-up Cards
A match-up activity exploring friends of twenty.
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Monster Multiplication Match-Up (2-digit by 1-digit)
A match-up activity to practise multiplying a 2-digit number by a 1-digit number.
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1 to 20 Number Match-Up Cards (MAB, Quantities, Digits, Tallies, Tens Frames and Words)
A match-up activity to help students identify different representations of the numbers 1 to 20.
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Musical Instruments and Their Families Cards
A set of 48 cards for students to match musical instruments with the family of the orchestra to which they belong.
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Picture Cards with Price Tags and Coins (Australian Currency)
A variety of different objects with price tags and coin cards.
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Data Match-Up Cards (Set 1)
A match-up activity for students to use when exploring data.
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Defining Homophones Matching Game
Help your students become familiar with the meanings and spellings of common homophones with this set of 36 differentiated matching cards.
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Syllable Puzzles - Apple Matching Game
Practise segmenting, blending, and identifying types of syllables in words with a set of apple-themed puzzles.