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Number Cards Matching Pairs: Free Printable Card Set for Reception

  • ForReception
  • StageEarly Years
  • CostFree
  • FormatPrintable PDF
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Number Cards Matching Pairs is a free printable card set for Reception (ages 4 to 5). Children match each numeral from 1 to 6 to its number word. They cut out the cards, shuffle them and play a game of pairs. It takes about 10 minutes, needs no screen, and page 2 gives the grown-up notes, help ideas, a stretch idea and the answers.

It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.

What is on the sheet

Children use a set of cards to cut out. Each numeral from 1 to 6 has a number word to go with it. They shuffle the cards, turn them face down and play pairs, turning over two cards at a time. If the numeral and the word match, they keep the pair. You could suggest saying each number aloud as they turn a card. One to three players can join in.

  • 1
  • one
  • 2
  • two
  • 3
  • three
  • 4
  • four
  • 5
  • five
  • 6
  • six

Ways to get the most from the cards

Cut out together

Cutting is good hand practice. A grown-up can help with scissors and sort the cards into a pile ready for play.

Look before you play

Turn all the cards face up first. Let your child look at the numerals and the words and talk about what they notice.

Play a short game

Shuffle, turn the cards face down and take turns to flip two. Keep the game short so it stays fun.

Keep the cards

Store the cards in an envelope. You can play again on another day, or mix them into other games.

Why match numerals to number words?

In Reception, children learn that a number can be shown in different ways. It can be a numeral, a word, a set of objects or a spoken sound. Matching numerals to number words helps them see that the symbol and the word stand for the same amount. It also gives early practice in reading simple words.

Matching games suit this age well. Children look closely, remember where cards are and hold a number in mind while they search. Playing with other people adds talk and turn taking. Because the pairs can be checked by looking, children can often spot and fix their own mistakes.

Skills and curriculum link

  • Recognising numerals
  • Reading number words
  • Matching
  • Memory and concentration
  • Turn taking

Helping your child with numerals and words

  • Say it as you see itSay the number aloud when your child turns a card. Hearing the sound while looking at the numeral or word links the two.
  • Look at the shapesNumerals are shapes and words are letters. Ask your child to point out anything that helps them tell cards apart.
  • Count real thingsLink the cards to objects around you. Ask your child to count out that many buttons, spoons or toy cars.
  • Keep it playfulPraise looking carefully and trying again. A wrong guess in a pairs game is just a chance to remember where a card is.

Key words

  • NumeralThe symbol we write for a number, like 9.
  • Number wordA number written in letters, like nine.
  • MatchTwo cards that go together because they show the same number.
  • PairTwo things that belong together.
  • ShuffleMix the cards up so they are in a random order.
  • In orderNumbers placed one after another, starting with the smallest.

How to use it

  1. Print both pages. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2, which has the notes and answers.
  2. Cut out the cards, shuffle them and turn them face down. One to three players can play, and it takes about 10 minutes.
  3. Work through the game together the first time. Talk about each card your child turns over.
  4. Check any pairs you are unsure about against the answers on page 2.
  5. Come back to it another day. Repeating a familiar game builds confidence.

Help, stretch and game ideas

If it feels too hard

Start with only the pairs for 1, 2 and 3. Put those cards face up so your child can see them, then match them one at a time. When that feels easy, turn them face down and add the rest.

To stretch confident children

Put the cards in order from 1 to 6 and say each number aloud. Then ask your child to close their eyes while you take one card away. Can they say which number is missing?

Make it a game

Play pairs. Take turns to turn over two cards. If they match, keep them and have another go. If not, turn them back over. When all the cards are gone, the player with the most pairs wins.

Talk about it

  • Which number can you see on this card?
  • How did you know that card was a number word?
  • Can you find a card you have seen before? Where was it?
  • What do you notice about the shapes of the numerals?
  • Can you show me that many fingers?
  • Which number would you like to find next?

Take it off the page

Count and collect

Ask your child to bring you a set of small objects, such as socks, pencils or blocks. Choose a number from 1 to 6 each time and check by counting together.

Number hunt

Look for numerals around the house or on a walk. Doors, clocks and signs are good places. Say each number aloud when you spot it.

Draw a set

Draw dots, stars or faces to show a number. Write the numeral beside them, then try writing the word with a grown-up.

Who it is for

Parents

Sit with your child for the first game and let them lead. About 10 minutes is plenty. If they lose interest, stop and try again later. Praise careful looking and thinking, not only correct pairs.

Teachers

Use it as a starter, a table activity or an early finisher task. It needs no preparation beyond printing and cutting. Page 2 has help and stretch ideas, so you can offer smaller or fuller sets to children working at different levels.

Home educators

The cards fit easily into a rainy day or a short quiet moment. Pair them with counting everyday objects, number books and outdoor play. You can reuse the set for brothers and sisters, or to revisit numbers a few weeks later.

Where this fits in learning

Before this, children usually count objects and begin to recognise numerals through songs, rhymes and play. Hearing numbers spoken and seeing them in everyday life gives them a base to build on.

After this, children can move on to numerals and words beyond 6, put numbers in order and begin simple adding and taking away. Reading and writing number words also supports early reading and writing.

Questions parents and teachers ask

What age is Number Cards Matching Pairs for?

It is written for Reception, which is ages 4 to 5, in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Younger children may enjoy matching with a grown-up, and older children can use the stretch idea.

What will children practise?

Children practise matching numerals to number words from 1 to 6. They also look closely, remember where cards are and take turns. The stretch idea adds putting the numbers in order.

How do I use the cards?

Cut out the cards, shuffle them and turn them face down. Take turns to flip two. If they match, keep them. One to three players can play, and a game takes about 10 minutes.

What if it feels too hard?

Start with only the pairs for 1, 2 and 3. Keep those cards face up at first, then turn them over when your child feels ready. Add the other cards a little at a time.

Is it free?

Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers, sisters or another group, and use it as often as you like.

Is this a screen free activity?

Yes. It needs only paper, scissors and a pencil. That makes it a good choice for quiet time, a rainy afternoon or a calm moment before bed.

Do I need to print in colour?

No. The sheet prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper. Children can colour the cards if they want to, but it is not needed for the game.

Preview the full PDF

Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.

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