The latest addition to the language area of our classroom are six Object/Picture Matching Trays. I built this activity from things found around the house, some miniatures, and picture cards from a box of rhyming pictures that we found at a thrift store. Since our class consists of only two-year-olds right now, we are using the activity to build vocabulary and practice the pronunciation of words. For children a little older, I will be able to modify the activity by removing the picture cards and adding sandpaper letters so that the children will be able to practice the beginning sounds of words. For example, in the tray shown below I will add the letters h, b, and c. The child will then match each object to the letter that begins each word.
For children that are beginning to read, I will remove the sandpaper letters and add small laminated cards with the words of each object. The child will then match the words to the objects. This activity is great because it can be so easily modified to continue to interest the child.
