A fun and simple way to help your child recognize and talk about feelings
Learning to identify emotions is a big milestone in toddlerhood, and this Faces Matching Game is a playful way to support that growth. Using expressive apple faces, your toddler can begin learning the names of feelings, practice matching, and build early emotional intelligence through play.
🎥 Watch the game in action:
🖨 Download the printable game here:
👉 Apple Emotions Matching Game Printable
🎯 Skills Supported
- Emotional Awareness – Helps toddlers begin naming and recognizing common feelings
- Cognitive Development – Builds memory, matching skills, and focus
- Language Development – Encourages conversation about facial expressions and emotions
- Fine Motor Skills – Picking up and placing cards strengthens little hands
🧺 What You’ll Need
- The Apple Emotions Matching Game Printable
- Cardstock or paper
- Scissors
- Laminator or clear tape (optional, to make cards reusable)
🛠️ How to Set It Up
- Print and cut out the emotion face cards.
- For younger toddlers, start with 2–3 pairs of emotions (like happy and sad). Add more as they’re ready.
- Lay the cards face up and ask your child to find the matches.
- As they play, talk about the feelings:
– “Can you find the happy face?”
– “This one looks sad. Have you ever felt sad?”
– “Let’s make a surprised face together!”
💡 Tips to Extend the Activity
- Act out each emotion after matching (great for movement + emotional learning!)
- Use a mirror and let your child try to copy the faces
- Create a “Feelings Chart” and let your child point to how they’re feeling that day
- Pair with an emotion-themed book like The Color Monster or Today I Feel Silly
📚 Want More Activities Like This?
This activity is part of our Free September Curriculum for 2-Year-Olds, where we explore emotions, routines, and seasonal play in a simple, 3-day weekly rhythm.