You may not think that Valentine’s Day and learning games can go hand in hand, but in this case it totally works! Whether you are trying to teach children their letter sounds, letter matching, or even just want to encourage fine motor skills, this matching hearts game is the perfect solution. You can make your own version using a few simple dollar store supplies, so take a look below at how to get started for just a few dollars.

Supplies needed:

• Plastic heart containers
• Stick-on letters
• Assorted small objects, each starting with a different letter of the alphabet

We were able to buy the plastic hearts at our local dollar store. A pack of 6 was only $1. You can also find peel-and-stick letters, as well as small items to place in the hearts, in a dollar store -- but you may even have assorted objects around the home that might work, so be sure to take a peek.

Directions:

1. Begin by peeling and sticking each letter of the alphabet on the lid of the heart container.
2. Inside the heart, place a small object that starts with that letter.
3. The object of the game is for the child to match the object to the letter it begins with. They can then put the item in the heart and replace the lid!
4. You can also practice letter identification by placing a letter on the lid and the identical letter inside the heart. Shuffle the containers and lids and allow the child to match the letters together.

This Valentine’s heart matching game encourages letter recognition, sound recognition, and the assembly of the hearts even encourages fine motor skills. This is an easy and inexpensive activity you can enjoy with your child to encourage these very important skills!

Head to your local dollar store and grab the supplies you need to create your own version of this game. It is a fun and frugal educational game with plenty of Valentine’s Day flair.

NOTE: Remember small children like putting small items in their mouths. Be sure you monitor this game if using younger children and small objects such as pennies, buttons, etc. If you want to avoid the use of these small items, a picture torn out of a magazine for the objects placed in the hearts will work, too.