This fun pumpkin number-matching game is perfect for teaching number recognition and counting. The festive fall theme makes it the perfect addition to any autumn-themed party or lesson.
Materials Needed For the Pumpkin Number Matching Game
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- card stock
- scissors
- Epson Eco Tank (if you’re tired of expensive ink cartridges)
- laminating sheets optional
Set Up and Game Play
This game is super easy to set up. Simply print it, cut the pieces apart, and you are ready to play. Of course, if you need the game to last a long time, you can always laminate it before playing. But, unless it’s absolutely necessary, I would discourage this. Cardstock is pretty cheap, so you can always just print another activity if this one wears out.
To play the game, flip all the pieces over on the table and mix them up. Then, line the pieces up in a grid pattern. Have each student take turns flipping over 2 cards at a time to see if they find a match. If they don’t find a match, it’s the next student’s turn.
If they do find a match, some people decide to give the student an extra turn. Of course, the kids waiting do tend to get bored easily, so this is completely up to you. Sometimes it’s best to just move on so the other kids don’t get restless.
Other Ways to Use These Number Matching Cards
Numbers Hide and Seek
This is a fun idea for kids who thrive with kinesthetic learning activities. To play, hide the cards around your home, classroom, or yard and have your little learner find them. There are so many options with this because you can hide all the cards, hide just the numbers, or hide just the pumpkin cards.
Each time your child finds a card have them verbally identify the number on the card or count the pumpkins. Be sure to keep track of how many cards you have out so you know when they’ve all been found.
Go Fish
If you have at least 2 players, you can also use these cards to play a rousing game of Pumpkin Go Fish. Since there aren’t that many cards, I recommend only giving each player 5 cards to start. If you have more than 2 players you will want to print multiple sets of the game.
Eye Gaze Answer Cards
If you are using some of our other pumpkin-themed number and counting games, but you have students that need to answer via eye gaze, these cards are a great option.
While you can simply hold them in your hands, you can also use a felt board with hook and loop tabs. In this case, I would recommend laminating the cards before adding the tabs.
Adapting This Number Matching Game Printable For Special Needs
If you have a student who doesn’t have the dexterity to pick these cards up off the table, adding magnets is a great way to ensure they can still play as independently as possible. Simply add some lightweight magnetic tape to the back of each card. Then the child can pick up the cards using a magnetic wand.
You can also bolster the handle or add a strap for support if needed.
More Counting and Number Activities For Littles
Hands-on Pumpkin Mats For Counting and Number Recognition
Match and Count Candy Corn Game
