Flashcards Turned Matching Game {Busy Bag Idea}

How many of you have young kids that like to tear apart flashcards???

*Raises hand up high!*

Sometimes I don’t even know why I bother buying Lil Man flash cards. As soon as I hand them over – they either get bent, torn or destroyed completely. Then once they get that way – in the trash they go, along with my money. It’s super frustrating because I really want to use them as a learning tool in our house, but I haven’t had much luck in keeping them in one piece. Well – till now!

Today’s blog post is an easy Busy Bag Idea – “Flashcards Turned Matching Game.” I’ve recently came up with a way to save our flashcards from destruction, as well as turning it into fun matching game! Basically because of the durability of the lamination process, this game can be handed to your child and no destruction will come from it. Well – I can’t “promise” no destruction {because some kids are amazing in that department} but it will save you a few headaches and will entertain a bit longer than the normal flashcard set.

* Flashcards {scored these last year at Target during the fall}
* Laminator {or self laminating sheets}
* Paper Cutter
* Scissors

Directions:

1. First decide which flash cards are worth cutting in half {and which direction to cut} Although I had a ton in this flash card set that could be cut in half {meaning the image is big enough on the card} there were some small insect pictures that I just knew would be impossible to match up if I cut them half. So those I automatically threw away.

2. Once you have the ones you need – cut them in half. Scissors work great, but I liked that with my paper cutter I got straight lines and I could measure where to cut. {I wanted things to be absolutely perfect}

3. Now get your laminator nice & warm. Place your flashcard pieces in a laminating sheet and run it through the machine. Once it’s cool enough – cut out the flash card pieces.

To play the game, all your child has to do is match up the other half. By doing this, not only are they working on their fine motor skills – but they can identify the animal/object afterwards. You can also turn it into a memory game by flipping the cards over. There are so many directions you can take this!

Then once the game is done – store away in a plastic baggie. Easy-peasy!

If you like this Busy Bag Idea – check out these other ideas!