Children as young as two can learn to match colors and shapes. Create two sets of flashcards that have common shapes like circles, squares and triangles. Make sure each shape has a primary color on it your child will recognize. First, show your child what shapes and colors go together. Next, spread half of the flashcards face up on the floor so the child can see the shapes and colors; take the other half of the cards and mix them up. Show the child each of the cards you have one at a time and have him choose the corresponding flashcard on the floor. Keep playing until all the cards are matched.
If you have a child between the ages of 3 and 5 and you have a digital camera, computer and printer, you can teach your child matching in an interactive way. Take pictures using a digital camera of items the child is familiar with such as toys, stuffed animals, cups or even furniture. Upload the images onto a computer and print the photos onto 4- by 6-inch photo paper. Give the child the photos and have her look around the house for the objects. This activity will help improve her ability to scan a room and search for objects.
This game can be played using flashcards, playing cards or most other decks of cards. Shuffle the cards and spread them out with the picture down. Have the child flip cards two at a time to reveal the pictures. If the pictures do not match, she must flip the cards back over and flip over another set of cards. If the cards do match, she can leave them face up.
Color 10 to 20 toothpicks different colors or draw different-colored rings on each toothpick. Create a matching toothpick for each one your colored. Shuffle the toothpicks and line them up on a table. Have the child find and organize the toothpicks into matches by telling her to find toothpicks that look the same. Since the toothpicks are smaller and more intricate, children who are old enough to know not to swallow small things can work with this activity.