Alphabet Matching Game Uppercase/Lowercase: Weather Theme
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 12
Coordinating Activities
Weather Alphabet Matching Game
- 26 uppercase and 26 lowercase letter cards in color
- The same cards in black and white
Kids match each uppercase letter to its lowercase partner, so every turn is a chance to practice both forms of a letter.
Required Materials:
- Paper, printer and ink
- Laminator
- Paper cutter or scissors
Standards for Letter Recognition
This weather alphabet game supports early literacy standards connected to naming uppercase and lowercase letters, listening and taking turns.
Common Core State Standards: English Language Arts
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.1.D: Recognize and name all upper- and lowercase letters of the alphabet. Kids match each uppercase letter to its lowercase partner.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.1: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about kindergarten topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups. Kids take turns and name the letters out loud.
Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and TEKS for English Language Arts and Reading
- PK4.III.C.1: Child recognizes and names at least 20 letters. Kids name each letter as they play.
- TEKS ELA K.2(D)(v): Demonstrate print awareness by identifying all uppercase and lowercase letters. Kids pair uppercase and lowercase letters.
- TEKS ELA K.1(D): Work collaboratively with others by following agreed-upon rules for discussion, including taking turns. Kids follow the game rules and wait for their turn.
Virginia English Standards of Learning
- K.FFR.3.A: Identify capital and lowercase letters of the alphabet. Kids find and name the letters in the game.
- K.C.1.A.i: Listen actively and follow agreed-upon rules for participating in discussions. Kids listen for each letter and follow the game rules.
Weather Alphabet Matching Game gives preschool and kindergarten kids hands-on practice matching uppercase and lowercase letters as they flip cards to find each pair.
The letter cards have a weather theme that fits right into a weather unit.
Lay the cards face down in rows. Players take turns flipping two cards. When the uppercase and lowercase letters match, the player keeps the pair and says the letter name. If they don’t match, the cards are turned back over.
Use the color cards for a bright game or the black and white cards to save ink. Start with a few pairs and add more as kids are ready.
How to Play Weather Alphabet Matching Game
- Print, laminate and cut apart the cards.
- Choose the letters you want to practice and lay the cards face down.
- Players take turns flipping over two cards and naming the letters.
- Keep the cards when the uppercase and lowercase letters match.
- Play until all the pairs are found.
Small Group: Play with 2 to 4 kids and name each letter together.
Literacy Center: Partners play on their own or match the cards face up as a sorting activity.
Easy Ways to Differentiate This Matching Game
Every group has a mix of letter knowledge, attention and turn-taking skills. These simple changes keep the game familiar while meeting each child where they are.
For Children Who Need More Support:
- Play with the cards face up and match them like a puzzle.
- Start with 4 to 6 pairs.
- Name both letters together before matching.
- Use letters from the child’s name.
For On-Level Practice:
- Play with 10 to 13 pairs.
- Name each letter when you flip it.
- Say the letter sound after each match.
- Play with a partner.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Play with all 26 pairs.
- Name a word that starts with each letter you match.
- Put the matched pairs in ABC order.
- Write each pair after you find it.
For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support:
- Say the letter name and sound together and give plenty of wait time.
- Accept pointing, gestures, AAC or any communication method the child already uses.
- Use a smaller set of cards and play cooperatively.
- Repeat the same letters across several sessions.
Weather Alphabet Matching Game Is Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- Weather and spring themes
- Literacy centers
- Partner games
- Small-group instruction
- Letter of the week
- Special education
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Homeschool
