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A Deck of Cards

A Deck of Cards

There are so many ways to learn with your preschooler using a simple deck of cards!

Check out the ways we used a deck of cards to play and learn. 

games with a deck of cards

Sorting 

Sorting is such an important math skill for young learners. Categorizing things into groups that make sense is something that will transfer to all subject areas. 

Try sorting a deck of cards by:

color (red/black)

suit

number(4 of each in a pile)

even/odd

numbers/letters (2 piles)

 
games with a deck of cards

Matching

Match the numbers by color. For younger learners, start with a smaller amount of cards (as shown). Not only do they identify and match the numerals, but they will also see the amounts for each numeral which helps with the Math skill of subitizing. 

games with a deck of cards
 
Memory
Use # 1-5 (2 of each) to play memory the traditional way. A more advanced option is to use #1-9. 
 
games with a deck of cards
 
Counting
Line up cards 2-9 and count the corresponding number of manipulatives underneath each card. We like using erasers or blocks to count with. 
 

Tammy G

Thursday 29th of July 2010

I am new to your blog but I could not believe it when I saw this post tonight. Just to day I grabbed a deck of cards and started thinking about activities to use them for--thanks for adding to the brainstorm.

Abbie

Wednesday 28th of July 2010

A deck of cards and poker chips were two of my daughters first and still are some of her favorite toys. She just loves putting the cards back in the box, handing them out to people, sorting them and counting them. Such great ideas.

Lindsay

Wednesday 28th of July 2010

Love these ideas. We are going to the beach in September and I was trying to think of fun toys to pack that don't take up a lot of space. I think this will be an instant hit!

Packer Family

Wednesday 28th of July 2010

Love these ideas! Me and Caden play traditional war but we call it "highest". I take out the face cards and who ever has the highest number gets to take the cards.