Toddler Preschool
File Folder GamesMathPrintables
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For toddlers and preschoolers, matching shapes is a great way to practice those early math skills.
Matching the same basic shapes over and over again though can quickly become boring if you don’t switch things up every once in a while.
Fortunately, this crayon shape matching file folder game makes it easy to practice colors, shapes, and so much more while still keeping it fun for your little learners!
Seeing some of their favorite objects in various shapes is a good way to get your toddler or preschooler excited about working on those early math skills and this crayon shape game definitely delivers!
Assembling the Crayon Shapes File Folder Game
To recreate this game for your own children or students, you’ll need:
- A manila file folder
- Scissors
- Clear contact paper
- Laminator (optional)
- The crayon shapes printable (below)
- Velcro dots
Start by printing and cutting out both the cover of the game and the pieces that will go inside your folder.
Use some clear contact paper to attach the cover to the front of your folder. To make this step a little bit easier if you’re doing it by yourself, use some double-sided tape to hold the cover in place while you lay the contact paper over top. Once the contact paper is laid down, smooth out any air bubbles that may have gotten caught.
When your cover is on, use some more clear contact paper to attach the black and white shapes to the inside of your folder. This is what your little ones will use to match their crayon shapes.
Next, run the crayon shape pieces through your laminator so that they’ll hold up to being pulled on and off Velcro several times.
Finally, stick one side of your Velcro dots on to the black and white shapes that are on the inside of your folder and attach the opposite Velcro dots to the backs of the crayon shape pieces.
Using the Crayon Shapes File Folder Game
Once your game is all put together and ready to use, set it out for your child and explain to them that each of the boxes of crayons needs to be matched to the right shape.
While you’re matching, see if they can name all of the colors on the crayons, count the number of sides that each shape has, and even name the shapes that they’re matching.
When you’re all done, use some clear packing tape to attach a small Ziploc bag to the back of your folder to hold your pieces for future use.
