This weekend, I realized we needed to make a creative sock-matching activity for my toddler. It was time to dive deep into that giant drawer of socks and begin to find their matches. For months (okay, it was years), I had taken the socks out of the dryer and placed them right into the drawer. And since you aren’t judging me on this, I feel you understand. So, finally, the day came, and it was time to organize these socks. Prepare for an epic toddler matching game with socks.
RELATED: We keep supplies simple for home activities. Here is my simple list of learning supplies for toddlers and preschoolers.
As I dove into that giant heap of socks, I noticed my toddler wanting to help.
The problem was that there were too many socks for him to pick out the matches.
My two-year-old quickly became distracted by jumping into the pile and seeing how far each one could stretch. His mind couldn’t focus on finding socks that looked alike, even though his interest in helping was there.
Then it hit me.
What if we took the idea of finding the matching pair of socks and scaled it down for his brain to process and problem-solve?
And that is when the magic happened.
Who has time to search for ideas?
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What is my toddler learning?
Like most toddler games, the best supplies are found around the home. This isn’t our first time making a game with socks. We also use socks for a GIANT graph.
Since this game also involved socks, we had plenty of supplies to get going.
This game with socks helped my toddler:
- Build new vocabulary – same, different, match.
- Find matching pairs.
- Identify details within similar-looking socks.
- Recognize how two alike objects can make a complete set or matching pair.
- Sort colors (35 color activities for preschoolers).
- Track his eyes from left to right.
RELATED: Have an older one-year-old? Here are my favorite ways for one-year-olds to play!
What I noticed as my toddler played
My toddler isn’t circling pictures in a workbook. NOPE.
What my toddler is doing is hands-on and learning through play.
My toddler can touch each sock, feel it with his hands, and make the sensory connection with his brain.
This is a super powerful connection that can sometimes go unnoticed. Remember, indoor games for kids can be kept simple and also include movement.
We want our early learners to touch, move, and manipulate objects for the learning to stick. You can see all the hands-on learning toys for toddlers to help assist them in this journey.
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Supplies
The only supply you may need is a fabulous roll of painter’s tape. And sure, go ahead and order the multi-pack. Here are 25 activities for painter’s tape to keep the inspiration going!
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Colorful Painter’s tape
One of our most popular sellers when shared on Amazon! This is an excellent collection of colorful painter’s tape.
Painter’s Tape
Prefer blue? We use this for many activities here at Days with Grey. Safe to say it is a lifeline.
Setup
- First, find 8 matching pairs of socks and place your socks in four rows of four.
- Next, outline the socks with painter’s tape.
- Draw a giant X for the pairs to land – this destination keeps your toddler’s focus.
- Finally, invite your toddler to come in and find the matching pairs.
This toddler game with socks is simple and fun! After this, let’s try adding art. I have a genius painting with a toddler idea that you must try!
When will you make this sock game for your toddler?
RELATED: When I hear toddler, I also think bath time! Here are my favorite bath toys for kids.
Toddler posts you may also be interested in
Ah, toddlers. They don’t come with an instruction manual and we all learn alongside our child’s strengths and struggles. Here are some additional posts you may find helpful.
- How to Transition Toddlers from Crib to Bed
- Chores for Toddlers
- Summer Activities for Toddlers (spoiler, just add water)
Toddler Sock Matching Game
Materials
- Painter's Tape
- Socks
Instructions
- First, find 8 matching pairs of socks and place your socks in four rows of four.
- Next, outline the socks with painter’s tape.
- Draw a giant X for the pairs to land – this destination keeps your toddler’s focus.
- Finally, invite your toddler to find the matching pairs.
Notes
Toddler FAQ
We all know it is important to allow kids time to be bored. But sometimes, a few ideas can go a long way to spark independent play. This list of 101 preschool activities for kids is an excellent starting place.
Keeping a two-year-old entertained for the day is not an easy task. One minute they are content, and the next, they pull on your pants for another snack. Creating a predictable schedule that benefits you and your toddler will help you better enjoy your days.
Sensory play can be introduced as early as a few months old. Keep in mind sensory play is not limited to a traditional bin filled with rice. One-year-olds learn by looking, seeing, touching, hearing, and grasping. Allow babies to touch new textures and objects for sensory play. Toddlers like to stack, transport, touch, fill, dump, bang, pound, push, twist, climb, and swing. Sensory play can be in a bin or in the backyard.
