Matching Stick Figures
Matching Stick Figures challenges learners to spot small differences in pose and position between stick figures, training the precise visual attention reading needs. Using a domino-style matching format, learners visually scan, compare, and match identical stick figure items, training the brain to notice small yet important visual details. Visual discrimination is a critical pre-reading skill for reading accuracy, attention to detail, and visual processing. It supports accurate visual recognition, reduces common reading errors (such as b/d or p/q confusion), and improves visual memory.
Ideal for young learners, struggling readers, children with learning and developmental delays, and ESL learners building English vocabulary, this low-prep resource transforms foundational skill-building into joyful, confidence-boosting play.
Designed by Remedial Specialist Annemarie Roux and aligned with the Science of Reading, this resource gives every learner the tools to become a confident, capable reader.
Watch it in action
What's inside
40 printable stick figure matching/domino-style cards.
Clear, child-friendly stick figure illustrations.
Teacher instructions and usage ideas.
Print-and-play digital PDF (instant download).
How to play
Print and cut out the stick figure cards.
Shuffle the cards and distribute them equally among the players.
Place the first card (indicated with "Start Here" and an arrow) on a flat surface in the middle of the group.
The player who has the matching card calls out the item ("man standing") and places it next to its correct match.
The player who has the next matching card calls out the item and places it in its correct position.
Continue in this way until all cards have been matched on the table.
The first player to place all their cards on the table is the winner.
💡 Encourage learners to describe each stick figure item to support vocabulary development.
💡 This game can also be played independently by a single learner.
Key benefits
- Develops visual discrimination at word level
- Improves word recognition and reading precision
- Reduces visual reading errors and guessing
- Strengthens attention, memory, and cognitive processing
- Supports vocabulary development and word knowledge
- Ideal for ESL learners building English vocabulary
- Encourages learning through structured, meaningful play
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