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How to Play Matching Puzzles for Kids

A matching puzzle has clues on the left and possible partners on the right. Read one clue at a time and connect it to the partner that belongs with it. Each partner is used once.

Try a classroom puzzle

Which classroom tool would you use for each job? The right-hand jobs are mixed up. Start with Pencil: it can write a note, so connect 1 to C. Now finish the other two yourself.

Classroom tools

  1. Pencil → C
  2. Ruler  
  3. Eraser  

Jobs (shuffled)

  1. Measure a length
  2. Rub out pencil marks
  3. Write a note

Ask what a ruler does, then look for that job on the right. Do the same for an eraser. Check that A, B and C are each used exactly once.

Show the answer

1 → C (Pencil — write a note); 2 → A (Ruler — measure a length); 3 → B (Eraser — rub out pencil marks).

Play online or on paper

  1. Read a left-hand clue and find its unique partner in the shuffled right column.
  2. Online, tap the item on the left and then tap its match on the right. Repeat, then use Check to see if every pair is correct. Reveal all shows the matches; Reset clears them.
  3. On paper, draw connections or write the partner letters. The printable worksheet has a separate answer key so you can check your work afterward.

Ready for a full sheet? Try Letter Case Matching or browse School & Family matching sheets.