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Pumpkin Card Games – Karen’s PreK Page
By Karen Cox
This is a symbol game that can be played two ways, and with different symbols: letters, numerals, or shapes. You will need to make some cards using cardstock or index cards (I made mine about 2″ square). Place pumpkin stickers on the back of each card or use clipart. Of course, you can use this with any holiday or theme by using different images.
Game 1: Matching Symbols (Letters, Numerals, or Shapes)
To prepare game one, you will need to write different symbols on each card, making two cards with each symbol. For example, two cards would have letter A, two cards would have letter T, and so on. Use letters that you have introduced to the children. At this time of year, that would probably be the letters in their name. Mix the cards so they are in random order. To play the game, the child will lay out their cards on the table with the letter side facing them. When they find two letters that match, they will turn both cards over to the pumpkin side. They will continue matching and turning cards over until they have all pumpkins. (This is not played like the traditional memory game, although you could use the cards that way if you chose.)
Game 2: Identifying Symbols (Letters, Numerals, or Shapes)
To prepare game two, you will need to write different symbols on each card. This time only make one card per symbol; you won’t need matching cards. For example, if you wrote the letters of Jessica’s name, you would need cards with J, e, s, i, c, a. To play the game, the child will lay out their cards on the table with the letter side facing them. They will look at each card, identify the letter and say it aloud. As they say the letter, they will flip that card over to the pumpkin side. Any letters they do not know will not be flipped, and the child should ask you the teacher or a peer for help.
View a captioned photo slide show of Karen’s classroom on her site prekinders.com!
