A set of name matching cards is a great tool to help kids become familiar with each other, and you can also use them for many sorting and letter activities. You can make your own set of name matching cards for name activities in your home or classroom using the two templates below.
Directions for Assembly:
The square picture template is the same one that I included with my directions for making name cards for your word wall. After saving square photos of your kids, you can add them to the square picture template. The template is a Word file, and when you open it up you will see a bunch of smiley faces on a grid. Simply right click on a smiley face, select the “change picture” option, and then select one of your square pictures from your dropbox or from the files on your computer. Once you make the selection, the picture will automatically (or magically) switch to your personal picture. After adding all of your pictures to the template, print two copies and cut out all of the pictures.
Customize the name grid template below by clicking on the blue rectangle in the middle of each square and typing in the names of your children. Print two copies on card stock and cut out each square.
To complete the matching activity, attach a picture to the back of each name square with a glue stick or double stick tape. Laminate the cards for durability and cut them out. You may also be able to attach the name squares and pictures to blocks or other items to make name matching blocks. A few years ago I used solid surface counter top sample squares to make name matching blocks. They were awesome.
Name Activity Ideas:
Simple Picture Matching – Kids enjoy looking at pictures of themselves and friends. Spread all of your cards out on a table or on the floor with the picture sides up. Ask kids to find the picture pairs.
Simple Name Matching – Spread the cards out with the name side up and ask kids to find the matching names. They can turn the cards over to look at the pictures to check their match and to help them read the name on the card.
Sorting by Picture– Kids can sort the pictures by boys/girls, hair color, or clothing color.
Sort the names by letter. Find the names that start with the same letter.
Sorting by Name – Kids can sort the names by first letter, or by all the names with a particular letter. In the below picture all of the cards have the letter “n” in common. If you focus on a particular letter each week, sorting the name matching cards by letter could be a great way to reinforce the letter of the week.
Find all the names with the letter “n”.
It is definitely worth the time to make a set of name matching cards because kids enjoy using them again and again. I would love to hear how you use the cards for name activities in your home or classrooms.
