DIY Matching Game!

Looking for a fun activity to do with your child? Here is an offering from one of our local parents.

Paint Sample Matching Game

Supplies Needed…

-Clothespins (These can be found at your local dollar store)

-Paint Samples (These cute Mickey ones are from Wal-Mart)

-Glue

-Paint Brush

Total Activity Cost…

$3.00

This can be a great game for toddlers to learn their colors and build fine motor skills.   The age of your child will depend on how you will want to start using the game.  When I first introduced this game to my son I only picked out four cards and I would work the clothespin.  Now that he is a little older he is able to pinch the clothespin himself but it still works best if we do the activity together.  It always helps to remain positive with children so they think it is fun and want to keep trying.

If they make a match tell them

“Good job you found the blue card!”

When they make a mistake and we know they will

“Good job you found the green card, lets match that to the green clothespin.”

**This can even be played with older kids by finding a paint sample that has multiple colors.   

Steps…

-Cut paint sample down to the size you would like. Make sure your scrap is big enough to fit on the clothespin.

-On the backside of the scrap piece trace the clothespin.

-Cut out the small shape and trim to make sure it will fit.

-With a paintbrush paint small amount of glue on the clothespin and place piece of the sample on the clothespin.

-Make sure the glue is not coming out from the sides (a little is okay, remember it will dry clear).

-The sample may need to be pressed down a couple times as the glue dries.

-Once everything is dry you are ready to introduce these to your little one.

-Have Fun!

-Samples may also be laminated. This helps them last a little longer but it is not necessary.  

Danyle is a parent of two children and her youngest child is 2 1/2 and involved in the Ionia ISD birth to three special education program.  Danyle enjoys creating activities that help her children learn in fun ways at home.