Lesson plans using a matching game will encourage the students to actively participate in the game, learning as they play. The game can be customized to include matching pictures or words based on the lesson plan. Matching games can be used in all academic areas at any grade level by customizing the game to the appropriate learning level.

Synonym-Matching Game

Teach the students a language arts lesson based on synonyms by first explaining the concept of synonyms and how they are associated with other words. Review a list of words matched with their synonyms based on the grade level to familiarize the students with how to match the words.

Hand two three-inch-by-five-inch index cards to half of the students in the class. Use the word list that was covered in class and assign each student a word. Ask them to write the word on one card and then write the synonym of that word on the second card. Collect the cards.

Shuffle the cards to mix up the pairs. Hand out one card to each student and instruct the students to get up and walk around the room to find the classmate with the word or synonym for the card they are holding.

Observe the time it takes the students to find their match. Play the game again if the students need more practice finding the matches.

Shape-Recognition Matching Game

Create flashcards to go along with a shape lesson for kindergartners. Cut flashcards out of poster board, with each card measuring four inches by six inches. Use a heavy-duty material so the cards can be reused.

Use crayons or markers and draw each shape you are teaching on two flashcards. Shuffle the cards so the pairs are mixed up.

Hand out one card to each student in the class. Ask students to look at their card and then lay it face down on their desk.

Select students one at a time to stand up and tell the class what their shape is. Ask the student with the matching shape to raise his hand. Verify with the class that the pair is a match.

Play the game again if students are still unfamiliar with the shapes. Laminate the flashcards so they can be used again.

Valentine's Day Math Matching Game

Play a math matching game during Valentine's Day lessons. Cut out the shape of a heart from pink and red construction paper. Cut one heart for every two students in the class.

With scissors, cut a jagged line down the center of each heart to create two halves. On one half of the heart write a math problem in black marker. Write the answer to the problem on the other half.

Mix up the halves and hand each student one half of a heart. Half the class will receive half a heart with a math problem and half the class will receive the answer on their half. Instruct the students to walk around the room in search of their matching half to create a whole heart.

Go over each problem with the class, checking each math problem to be sure the answer is correct.

Animal Matching

Teach this matching game to a preschool class during an animal lesson. Print out color sheets with various animals on them to coordinate with a book you plan to use for the lesson. Give each child a different animal.

Instruct students to color their animal and assist them with carefully cutting the animal out. Attach the animal to a popsicle or craft stick using glue, creating an animal puppet.

Gather the students in a circle and read the book that includes the different animals in it. As each animal is mentioned, ask the students to make the animal sound. Point to the student holding the puppet of that animal.

Ask the class to make the animal sounds for any animal not mentioned in the story, and point out which student is holding that particular animal.