We made the decision to forego preschool again this year and keep both girls home with me. My plan is to do homeschool activities with them but it’s always a struggle having two kids in such different developmental phases. Goose is 4 and naturally has a more mature, focused personality. Belle is two and, as expected, has a very limited attention span. Not to mention, they’re learning completely different concepts right now. I’ve had to get really creative to make sure that they’re both appropriately challenged, but this post-it matching game has been a fun way for them to learn at the same time!
I love this game because it’s super easy to set up and monitor. All you need are post-it notes, something to write with, and a wall!
This is how we play:
- Write the numbers 1 through 10 on one set of post-its and stick them on the wall. I set the game up in a straight line, but you can arrange it however you like depending on your little ones.
- On the other set of post-its, draw pictures to correspond with each number and “hide” them in another room.
- Designate one kid as “The Runner” and one kid as “The Sticker”. The Runner will go find the post-it notes in the other room one at a time and bring them back to The Sticker. The Sticker will count the pictures on each post-it and match it with the number on the wall.
- When all of the post-its have been stuck to the wall, the kids can go on a number walk together and review all of the matches.
- Repeat as many times as they’re interested!
This game is perfect for us because both girls learn while getting exactly what they need! Belle is The Runner so she’s able to move around and exert extra energy. And Goose is The Sticker so she can focus and practice slightly more advanced skills. The end is my favorite part because they just have a conversation about all of the numbers. Goose reinforces her knowledge while increasing Belle’s awareness of numbers and counting.
Once the game has started, I’m pretty hands-off. If Belle needs help finding a post-it or if Goose has put several post-its in the wrong place, I might guide them a teeny bit. But I mostly try to sit back and let them figure it out on their own.
You can use this post-it matching game for tons of different subjects or lessons. These are the variations we’ve done:
- numbers and pictures
- numbers and number words
- capital and lowercase letters
- letters and letter sounds
Leave me a comment and let me know what else we should try!
For more school-related posts, see these 6 preschool skills your little one needs to learn and find out what real-life kindergarten teachers say about preparing for school!
Talk to you soon!
