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How to Make Your Own Matching Game

Matching games provide hours of fun for young kids. Not only does the matching game appeal to the fun-seeking side of kids, it also serves an educational purpose. Kids learn to distinguish identifying features and improve their memories. The classic memory game is played by mixing up a set of card pairs, turning them upside down and flipping two cards at a time. A player who turns over a matching pair gets to keep the cards. If they don't match, they're turned back over and the next player takes a turn. Making your own matching game saves money and allows you to customize it.

Things You'll Need

Cardstock
Images of your choice
Glue
Laminating sheets

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a theme for your matching game. Ideas for themes include animals, toys or vehicles. Another option is to use letters, numbers or words to add an educational component to the matching game.
- 2
  Cut the cardstock into identical rectangles to create the matching game cards. The size and number of cards is a matter of personal preference. 2 inches by 3 inches is a good size that allows you to make several rows without taking up a large space.
- 3
  Draw or print out images and cut them to match the size of the cards. You'll need two of each image to create the matching sets of cards. Other image options for your game cards include photographs or stickers.
- 4
  Glue the images to the cards, one image on each card. You'll end up with an even number of cards since you'll have two of each design.
- 5
  Use self laminating sheets or clear contact paper to cover the front and back of each card. Trim off the excess around the edges of the card.

Kids Games