Little hands at work
First cutting practice
Short straight and curved paper routes for supervised cutting practice, with simpler ways to join in.
3–4 · 4–5 years · FreeExplore activity
Cut & match · Free printable
Cut-and-paste picture activities
This activity combines two separate choices: finding a matching picture and working with paper pieces. You can do either part on its own. An adult can prepare the pieces so a child can concentrate on looking, choosing and placing, or supervise a little cutting practice if that is appropriate.
Take a little peek6 items · Original illustrations
apple
book
cup
pencil
sock
toothbrush
Picture-play preview shown. The PDF contains the cut & match layout.
Inside the printable
First page shown. The download includes the complete activity and grown-up guidance.
What we’re exploring
Recognise matching objects and plan where a picture belongs before attaching it.
A little way to play
- Print two copies. Keep one as the matching board; an adult cuts the other into generously sized picture pieces.
- Name the objects together. Offer just two or three pieces at first.
- Place a piece over its identical picture and check the match before using glue.
- If the child wants to cut, supervise one manageable edge with suitable scissors. Save the remaining cutting for an adult.
Make it easier
Leave out cutting and glue entirely. Point to matching pictures, or move large pre-cut cards onto a second copy.
Try a little moreCover the labels and match by picture alone. Then describe what an object is used for and ask the child to find it from your clue.
For the grown-up
An adult stays with the child for scissors and glue use. Keep scraps and small pieces away from children who mouth objects. Matching ability should not depend on whether a child can cut independently.
Answers & naming help
Apple matches apple; book matches book; cup matches cup; pencil matches pencil; sock matches sock; toothbrush matches toothbrush. Each picture has exactly one identical partner on a second copy.
apple · book · cup · pencil · sock · toothbrush
How do I print this?
Choose your vocabulary and paper size, then download the PDF. Print at actual size or 100%. Use the low-ink option for outline activities; colour-name cards still need their colour to teach the word. Cut-and-stack mini-books are available in the flashcard maker.
Keep the discoveries going.
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Words & picture cards
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