Matching: how the skill grows from 18 to 36 months
Matching means finding two things that are the same: two socks, two spoons, two identical pictures. Matching trains a child to look closely at details, and it is the step before sorting into groups.
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Matching: the ladder, step by step
Pick the step that looks most like your child today. The next step and activities that practise it appear below.
No step picked yet. There is no wrong answer: pick the closest one.
Next step: Matches real objects. Puts two of the same sock together when asked.
Activities that fit this step
- Two of a Kind Kitchen Match · 14–24 months · 5–8 min
- Laundry Basket Sock Hunt · 18–28 months · 5–12 min
- Which Lid Fits? Container Match · 20–30 months · 5–10 min
Next step: Matches pictures. Finds the second card or photo that shows the same thing.
Activities that fit this step
- Which Lid Fits? Container Match · 20–30 months · 5–10 min
- Sock Pair Detective · 22–34 months · 5–10 min
- Clothespin-Knob Box Puzzle · 23–32 months · 5–10 min
Next step: Matches by color. Puts the red cup next to the red block.
Activities that fit this step
- Things That Go Together · 25–33 months · 5–10 min
- Kitchen Outline Match Mat · 26–36 months · 5–12 min
- Sock Hang-Up on the Basket · 26–36 months · 5–10 min
Next step: Matches in real life. Brings both shoes of a pair or fits the right lid to a tub.
Activities that fit this step
- Tube Garden Copycat · 26–36 months · 5–12 min
- Washcloth Fold and Stack · 26–36 months · 5–10 min
- Egg Carton Color Hunt · 28–36 months · 10–20 min
Top of the ladder (matches in real life). Keep it flexible: offer it in a new place, with a different person or with new materials.
Activities that fit this step
- Egg Carton Color Hunt · 28–36 months · 10–20 min
- Three Jars, Three Lids · 28–36 months · 5–10 min
- Tissue Box Mystery Feel · 30–36 months · 5–10 min
The matching ladder
5 steps from the first sign to a flexible skill, covered here from 18 to 36 months. Children move at their own pace: use the steps to see what comes next, not as deadlines.
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Notices sameness
Holds up two identical spoons and looks at you.
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Matches real objects
Puts two of the same sock together when asked.
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Matches pictures
Finds the second card or photo that shows the same thing.
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Matches by color
Puts the red cup next to the red block.
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Matches in real life
Brings both shoes of a pair or fits the right lid to a tub.
When matching usually shows up
Matching is not a CDC checklist item. Pairing identical everyday objects, like two of the same cup, often begins around age 2; matching pictures and then colors usually follows.
This page follows matching from 18 to 36 months, a window that spans the 18-month, 24-month, 30-month and 36-month CDC checklists.
In the library, 14 activities practise matching (4 as their main skill), for ages 14 to 36 months. 2 of them need no prep and take 10 minutes or less. By age, they sit closest to steps 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the 5-step ladder.
Activities that practise matching
Placed on the closest ladder step by age. By primary domain: 5 early concepts, 4 practical life, 3 cognitive and 2 fine motor. Quickest to start: Two of a Kind Kitchen Match (5–8 minutes).
Step 1: Notices sameness
Step 2: Matches real objects
Step 3: Matches pictures
Skills practised alongside
The activities for matching most often also work on household helping (4), colors and shapes (3), naming things (2), problem solving (2) and size words (2). Pairing them keeps practice playful: one activity, several skills.
Practise it inside everyday routines
- Pair socks together on laundry day, one pair at a time.
- Offer two tubs and two lids and let your child find which lid goes with which.
- Start picture matching with just two pairs of very different pictures.
What to avoid
- Starting with too many pairs; two or three is plenty at first.
When to mention it to the pediatrician
Matching on its own is not a milestone. If you have other questions about how your child plays with objects or learns new things, raise them together at the next visit.
Worried about matching between visits? Call the pediatrician; CDC's free resources also explain how to contact your local Early Intervention program directly. Milestones are for monitoring, not diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
When do toddlers start matching?
Matching is not a CDC checklist item. Pairing identical everyday objects, like two of the same cup, often begins around age 2; matching pictures and then colors usually follows. The first step to look for: holds up two identical spoons and looks at you.
How can I help my toddler with matching?
Pair socks together on laundry day, one pair at a time. Offer two tubs and two lids and let your child find which lid goes with which. A good first activity is Two of a Kind Kitchen Match (14–24 months).
What should I avoid when practising matching?
Starting with too many pairs; two or three is plenty at first.
When should I mention matching to the pediatrician?
Matching on its own is not a milestone. If you have other questions about how your child plays with objects or learns new things, raise them together at the next visit. You can also contact Early Intervention yourself.
Related
Monitoring, not medical advice. Talk to your pediatrician about any concern. Our sources and method.