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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Counting to 10 Match-Up Activity
Practise counting to 10 with this set of twenty object and number matching cards.
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Decomposing Fractions Matching Game
Get your students decomposing fractions with this fun matching game for maths groups!
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Unit Fraction Matching Game
Match up different visuals of simple unit fractions to help students understand this mathematical concept.
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Multiplying Decimals Match-Up Activity
Get students multiplying decimals with this engaging card game, perfect for maths groups.
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Letter Match - Christmas Memory Game
Strengthen letter recognition skills and keep your classroom buzzing with festive excitement using this hands-on Christmas memory game designed for kindergarten and early years students.
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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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Estimation With Decimal Multiplication Matching Game
Guide your students to estimate products with decimals by using this 36-card matching game.
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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.
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Think It or Say It? - Sorting Activity
Teach students about using a filter when speaking with others.
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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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Evaluating Expressions – Match-Up Activity
Practise substituting values for variables while evaluating expressions with this match-up activity.
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Exponential Expressions – Match-Up Activity
Match numerical expressions with exponents to their expanded expressions and solutions with this match-up activity.
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What is an Affix? Suffix Puzzle Pack
Practice building, reading, and understanding the meaning of words with suffixes with a fun set of printable puzzles for kids.
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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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Egg-cellent Easter Addition Activity
Practise simple addition with this Easter-themed addition match-up activity.
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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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Dress for the Weather Match-Up Activity
Identify proper clothing choices for different weather conditions with a clothing and climate matching activity.
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Synonym Cards Match-Up Game
Download these synonym cards to help your students recognise words with similar meanings by playing an engaging, hands-on matching game.
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Decimal Patterns Match-Up Activity
Use this match-up activity to determine patterns and extend numerical sequences by adding and subtracting decimals.
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Random Pair Generator Cards
Use these printable partner cards as a randomized pair generator when grouping students in the classroom.
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Magic E Words - Match-Up Activity
Explore words containing long vowel sounds created by the magic e.
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Building Sundaes with Vowel Teams (OA, OW, OE and EY)
Decode words with OA, OW, OE and EY long vowel teams by crafting cute desserts!
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Compound Words – Match-Up Activity
Build your students knowledge of compound words with this hands-on matching activity.
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Onset and Rime Match-Up Activity
Practise building words by matching the onset and the rime using this match up activity.
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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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Collective Nouns Match Up Activity - Objects and People
A pack of 32 cards to use when learning about collective nouns.
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Collective Nouns Match-Up Activity - Animals
A pack of 32 cards to use when learning about collective nouns.
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Money Match-Up Activity (New Zealand Currency)
An activity to help students recognise New Zealand coins and their combined amounts.
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Number, Name and Ten Frame Match-Up Cards 1-30
Cards to consolidate numerals, names and values up to 30.
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Numbers, Words and Tallies Match-Up Activity - Tens
A game to help your students understand numbers and all of the different ways they can be represented.
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Number Match-Up Activity (1-10)
Use this match-up activity to consolidate your students' knowledge of numbers to 10.