Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Cincinnati, OH

This month, we're thinking over reflections.  The natural idea to follow is mirror images, matching pictures, finding things that are the same.  Essentially, it's visual discrimination.  A pre-reading skill, dontcha know?  So, how can you enhance your child's pre-reading skills and disguise it as a game?  Well, I'm here to help!  Below are some of the best matching games that get your child started with confidence and a winning attitude!

TA-DA!

Matching games to enhance your child's visual discrimination and vocabulary skills:

I Spy for Preschoolers - This game has so much to offer.  It is a great tie to books and has five different ways to play.  Your children will thoroughly enjoy this game while practicing valuable skills.

Cat in the Hat Game -  Fun, active and matching pictures on a card to real life objects.  A game couldnâ¿¿t offer more for little ones who enjoy movement and Dr. Seuss (ooh, another book reference - awesome!)

The next two games are much more explicitly "academic", if you will.  But, lovely and enjoyable!

Cariboo by Cranium - If I could just introduce you to one of my greatest friends and her insights, honestly, you wouldn't have to read this.  Anyway, my four year old LOVED this game while playing it with my friend's four year old.  They were able to play independently once my friend explained the game.  It's got a fun key and treasure hunt to motivate looking for matching pictures and numbers.  I played with my two year old and he liked it, too!  A hit for all!  (I'm sure it would be too easy for my six year old, but thatâ¿¿s ok, she's too busy anyway - did I mention she just went to her first sleep over????  I hope you can't hear my poor attempt at holding back tears)  and

Dr. Seussâ¿¿ ABC Game - Very cool game to practice matching upper and lower case letters.  Itâ¿¿s a great tie-in to the Dr. Seussâ¿¿ ABC book, complete with all the silly characters and pictures!

 So, if you didn't get what you wanted for the holidays, or if you're wondering what to get when you return all that stuff, now you know!  J