Homeschooling children can be a joyful and rewarding experience, especially the younger years when you can incorporate hands-on activities that promote learning through play. One of our favorite activities is shape and color matching games, which can be simple to create. This activity helps toddlers develop fine motor skills, shape and color recognition, and problem-solving abilities. Let’s dive into how you can make this engaging game at home!

Materials Needed:

• Cardboard boxes
  • I personally used old amazon boxes but you can use any piece of cardboard you find.
• Scissors
• Printer and paper
• Glue
• Colored markers or crayons (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cardboard Squares:
   • Start by cutting your cardboard boxes into several square pieces. Each piece should be large enough to comfortably fit a printed shape.
2. Create and Print Shapes and Colors:
   • Using your computer, create different shapes (circles, squares, triangles, etc.) in a variety of colors. Print these shapes on paper. If you don’t have a printer, you can draw and color the shapes by hand.
3. Glue Shapes onto Cardboard Squares:
   • Cut out the printed shapes and glue each one onto a separate cardboard square. Make sure to press down firmly to ensure they stick well.
4. Make Extra Shape and Color Cut-Outs:
   • Print or draw additional shapes and colors that match those on the cardboard squares. These will be used for the matching game.
5. Set Up the Game:
   • Lay out the cardboard squares with glued shapes on a flat surface. Keep the extra cut-out shapes in a small basket or container.
6. Playing the Matching Game:
   • Encourage your toddler to pick a shape or color cut-out from the basket and match it to the corresponding shape on the cardboard squares. As they play, name each shape and color to reinforce their learning.

Tips for Enhancing the Activity:

• Color and Shape Hunts: Take the game a step further by hiding the cut-out shapes around the room and having your child find and match them to the cardboard squares. This adds an element of excitement and physical activity.
• Story Time Integration: Integrate the shapes and colors into a story or song. For example, sing a song about finding a red circle or tell a short story involving the different shapes and colors.
• Creative Variations: Introduce new shapes and colors periodically to keep the game fresh and challenging. You can also use different textures (like fabric or sandpaper) to glue onto the cardboard for a sensory experience.

This DIY Shape and Color Matching Game is a fantastic way to combine creativity, learning, and fun. It’s a versatile activity that you can easily adapt to suit your child’s developmental stage and interests. Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose old cardboard boxes and materials you likely already have at home.

Conclusion:

Homeschooling your toddler doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With simple activities like this shape and color matching game, you can provide enriching learning experiences that foster your child’s growth and curiosity. Give this activity a try, and watch as your little one enjoys the process of learning through play. Happy homeschooling!