Zoo Animal Matching Game Printable

This is Day 6 of the Fun Summer Worksheets for Preschoolers series! You can check out the other posts in the series to find fun no-prep lessons to keep your preschooler learning all summer long! One of my family’s favorite things to do in the summer is to take a trip to the zoo. This zoo animal matching game printable is perfect to play with your preschooler before or after a trip to the zoo this summer!

These activities were designed for kids in preschool, to help them develop pre-reading skills, concentration and memory, and learn about animals. They can be adapted for toddlers through 1st graders using the suggestions included in these plans!

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What You Need:

• This zoo animal matching game printable (get it below!)
• Scissors

Use the Zoo Animal Matching Game Printable Again and Again

It is easy to turn this zoo animal matching game printable into a resource that you can use over and over again in your homeschool! Try these tips to make this a reusable resource.

• Print the pages on thick cardstock to make them more durable.
• Laminate the pages with a single sheet laminator and laminating pouches.

Favorite Zoo Animal Books for Preschoolers

Prepare

• Gather your supplies.
• Print zoo animal matching game printable. You may want to print on thick cardstock or laminate the pages to make the booklet more durable.
• Cut the matching cards apart.
• Mix the cards up and spread them out face down.

How to Use the Zoo Animal Matching Game Printable

This zoo animal matching game printable includes 2 different versions of the matching game. Each version has 42 sets of cards, so kids can match these animals:

• Bear
• Bee
• Bird
• Butterfly
• Camel
• Cat
• Chicken
• Cow
• Crab
• Crocodile
• Deer
• Dog
• Duck
• Elephant
• Fish
• Fly
• Frog
• Giraffe
• Goat
• Horse
• Kangaroo
• Ladybug
• Lion
• Lizard
• Monkey
• Mosquito
• Mouse
• Octopus
• Owl
• Panda
• Penguin
• Rabbit
• Rhinocerous
• Sheep
• Snail
• Snake
• Squirrel
• Tiger
• Tortoise
• Whale
• Wolf
• Zebra

Match Picture to Picture

Kids who are not yet reading can play with the version of the game where they match 2 identical pictures. This game is great for helping your child develop their memory and concentration. Kids will also be working on the skills of same and different.

Match Picture to Word

The zoo animal matching game printable also includes a version where kids need to match the animal to its written name. This is a great game to play with kids who are learning how to read. Kids will need to recognize the names of the animals in order to play, so this is a great challenge for older kids!

Practice Playing Games

Playing games in your homeschool is a great way to work with your child on important social skills. Games like concentration and memory teach kids about taking turns and sharing. This game is also a great way to practice good sportsmanship, and being a graceful winner or loser.

You can also follow up your trip to the zoo with other activities, like these zoo preschool math worksheets.

Zoo Animal Montessori 3 Part Cards

This zoo animal matching game printable also comes with a set of Montessori 3 part cards. To use these cards, print and cut apart the 3 parts. You might want to print the cards on thick cardstock or laminate them for extra durability.

First, look at the cards with the picture and name with your child. Make sure your child knows what all the animals are. If there are any unfamiliar animals, you might want to research them. Find a book to read or watch a video featuring that animal.

Next, mix up the picture cards and the word cards and spread them out. Ask your child to match the pictures to their names. This is a great way to review the animal names, or to practice reading for kids that are learning. You can also ask your child to name the animals when you show them the pictures.

Adapt the Zoo Animal Matching Game Printable for Your Kids:

For Younger Kids:

Use the pictures.

Younger kids will enjoy matching the 2 identical pictures. For this version of the game, no reading is required.

Use fewer cards.

For younger kids, consider using just a few of the cards. This will make a smaller matching game, which will make it easier to remember where the cards are located. The youngest kids can try playing with all the cards face up, and just taking turns making matches.

For Older Kids:

Read the animal names.

Older kids who are reading can use the version of the game where they need to match the animal’s name to its picture. This is a great way to practice reading skills!

Make a scavenger hunt.

Older kids might enjoy a more active version of the game by setting up a scavenger hunt. Hide the animal cards around the house and ask your child to find them. Or, your child can hide the cards for a sibling to find.

Fun Animal Activities for Kids

What Your Child Will Learn from the Zoo Animal Matching Game

This zoo animal matching game printable is a great way for preschoolers to learn about:

• Memory
• Concentration
• Matching skills, same and different
• Vocabulary and animal names
• Pre-reading skills
• Playing games, taking turns, good sportsmanship

Get the Zoo Animal Matching Game Printable!

Check Out These Other Fun Summer Resources:

Check out the other posts in the Fun Summer Worksheets for Preschoolers series here to find more fun activity ideas for your homeschool!