Grades K–1
Shape Shadows Memory Match
Match each outline shape to its shadow. Sixteen cards with no reading at all, for the youngest players.
Classroom activity · Matching and memory games
Synonyms Match
Join eight pairs of words that mean the same, like big and large, then write a sentence with one pair.
- Grade level
- Grades 2–3
- Time
- About 15 minutes
- Answer key
- Yes, page 2 of the PDF
- Kids practice
- Memory, Matching, Taking turns
What kids do
“Draw a line to join each word to a word that means the same. Then use one pair in a sentence.”
Words on this sheet
biglargelittlesmallhappyyellfastgladstartbeginshoutleapjumpquicklooksee
Teacher tip
Make a list of other synonym pairs kids know, like happy and glad.
How to use it
- Print on card stock so cards do not show through.
- Teach the memory game routine: flip two, keep matches, then it is the next player’s turn.
- Let kids work with a partner so they talk through their thinking.
Watch for
Cards that show through the paper. Print on card stock or color the backs.
Talk about it
- How did you remember where the cards were?
- What strategy did you use?
Take it further
Have kids make new cards for the game.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More matching and memory games
Grades K–1
Dice Dots Memory Match
Count the dots like on a die and find the number. Kids learn to see 5 and 6 without counting.
1st grade
Doubles Memory Match
Doubles facts from 2 + 2 to 9 + 9 and their sums. Doubles make all the other facts easier.
Grades 1–2
Subtraction Facts Memory Match
Eight subtraction facts from 9 − 7 to 17 − 8 and their differences, as a cut-apart memory game.
Free for teachers
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