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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Dictionary Definitions Match Up Game
A set of 20 word cards for students to match to their definition.
- Free Plan

Lab Equipment Activity - Vocabulary Match
Use this lab equipment activity to identify different types of science tools by matching vocabulary terms, pictures and definitions.
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Numbers to 99 - Number Line Matching Activity
Practice locating numbers on a number line with a fun matching activity.
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Number, Word and MABs Matching - Clovers
Practise place value of 2-digit numbers with this clover-themed puzzle.
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Unit Fraction & Whole Number Division Models – Match-Up Activity
Practise how to divide a unit fraction by a whole number and divide a whole number by a unit fraction with this match-up 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 Word Match Cards
Match pairs of synonyms with a set of printable synonym flash cards.
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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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Valentine's Day - Number Form Match-Up
Identify three-digit numbers in standard form, word form, expanded form, and in MAB form with a printable Valentine’s Day Maths activity.
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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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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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Random Pair Generator Cards
Use these printable partner cards as a randomized pair generator when grouping students in the classroom.
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Rhyming Snowmen - Match-Up Activity
Bring a bit of snow into the classroom with a winter-themed rhyming word game for early years students.
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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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Building Sundaes with Consonant Digraphs
Identify initial and final consonant digraphs with this set of 4 yummy digraph sundaes.
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Comparative and Superlative Adverbs - Match-Up Activity
Practice using comparative and superlative adverbs with a matching activity.
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Elements of a Map Match-up Activity
Use knowledge of the features of a map with this map element matching game.
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Irregular Subject Verb Agreement Matching Game
Support student grammar skills with a fun and interactive matching game that reinforces irregular subject-verb agreement through hands-on learning.
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Traits of Good Citizens - Match-Up Activity
Identify and match characteristics of good citizens with this vocabulary-building activity.
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Missing Digit Multiplication - Interactive Activity
Encourage critical thinking with this missing digit multiplication activity.
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Blending Phonemes Secret Message – Matching Activity
Blend phonemes to build words and uncover the secret message!
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Compound Words Matching Game
Combine words to make compound words with a fun, printable Compound word game.
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Numbers 1-12 Frog Catching Flies Activity
A hands-on activity where children consolidate their knowledge of numbers 1-12.
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Letter Match-Up Cards
A set of upper and lowercase letter cards.
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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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Shopping Trolley Match-Up Activity
A fun activity to be used to reinforce a variety of mathematical concepts.
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Read Along Pocket Chart Cards – Dr. Mae Jemison
A set of pocket chart cards to use for reading and sight word practice.
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Underwater Matchup Cards
A set of 30 underwater creature matchup cards to use in a variety of ways.
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Alphabetise the Aquarium Activity
A set of 4 mats for students to practise alphabetising.
- Free Plan

Python Patterns – Match-Up Activity
An activity for students to consolidate copying and creating patterns.
- Plus Plan

Collective Nouns Match Up Activity - Objects and People
A pack of 32 cards to use when learning about collective nouns.