As toddlers grow, they begin connecting sounds, pictures, and words. These early connections are the foundation of language development, and one of the most effective ways to support them is through simple, interactive play.
Matching games are a powerful (and fun) way to help children make these connections. By linking what they hear with what they see, toddlers begin to understand that sounds, images, and words all represent meaning.
Early childhood experts emphasize that children learn language best when words are tied to meaningful, interactive experiences rather than passive exposure.¹ When a child is actively participating, pointing, choosing, or imitating, they are more likely to understand and remember new words.
For example, a child may say “moo” before they can say “cow.” This is not a mistake; it’s an important developmental step. Sound effects are often easier to produce than full words, and they act as a bridge to more complex language.²
Matching activities build on this natural progression by helping children connect:
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a sound (“moo”)
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with a picture (cow)
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and eventually with a word (“cow”)
Over time, these repeated connections support vocabulary growth and confidence in communication.
What Skills Matching Games Support
Simple matching activities do more than build vocabulary. They also support:
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vocabulary recognition
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sound-symbol association
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attention and memory
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early categorization skills
Because these skills develop together, even short, playful moments can have a meaningful impact.
Try It During Play (FREE NINEWISE DOWNLOAD)
These simple, recognizable animal images are intentionally designed for young children. Research shows that toddlers learn best from clear, uncluttered visuals that help them focus on one concept at a time.¹
How to play:
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Place two or three animal cards in front of your child
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Ask: “Who says moo?”
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Pause and let your child point, reach, or respond
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Model the word: “Cow! Moo!”
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Repeat and expand as they engage
Follow your child’s lead; there’s no “right” way to play. Every attempt to point, look, or vocalize is part of the learning process.
From Books to Play: Making the Connection
Using familiar images from books helps children make stronger connections during play.
When children recognize an animal from a story, they’re more likely to engage, imitate, and participate. This creates a natural bridge between reading and real-world learning, helping children carry language from the page into everyday interaction.
Where This Shows Up in Ninewise Books
Ninewise books are designed to support early communication through simple, engaging, and developmentally appropriate experiences.
In Neigh, Quack, Moo… What More Can You Do?, children are invited to imitate animal sounds and actions, making it easy to participate, even before they are using full words. The rhythm, repetition, and playful prompts encourage children to connect sounds, movement, and meaning.
Similarly, I Hear Nature encourages children to identify and imitate sounds in their environment, helping build early vocabulary through real-world listening and interaction.
Keep It Simple, Keep It Playful
Language development doesn’t require complicated tools, just meaningful, interactive moments.
By pairing simple images with playful sounds and responsive interaction, you’re helping your child build the connections that lead to communication.
And sometimes, it all starts with a simple “moo.”
References
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Hirsh-Pasek, K., et al. (2015). Putting education in “educational” apps: Lessons from the science of learning.
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Golinkoff, R. M., et al. (2015). Language matters: Denying the existence of a critical period for language learning.
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