Learning colors is a lot more fun when kids can actually pick things up, move them around, and turn the lesson into a game!
This Backpack Color Matching Game is a simple hands-on activity that helps kids practice identifying, matching, and sorting colors. And since everything is backpack-themed, it also makes a cute addition to your Back to School Activities.
The idea is pretty simple. Kids choose one of the colorful objects and figure out which backpack it belongs to based on its color. A blue object goes on the blue backpack, a pink object goes on the pink backpack, and so on.
It works as a Color matching game for kids, but there are plenty of other ways to use the pieces too. You can practice color words, counting, vocabulary, sorting, and even turn them into a little color hunt.
I created the complete printable game so you can simply print it, cut out the pieces, and start playing.
It is a paid printable, but you can see exactly how the activity works below before deciding if you’d like to grab a copy for your kids or classroom.
What’s Included in the Printable Game?
The printable includes 11 colorful backpacks: red, orange, yellow, green, purple, blue, pink, brown, black, white, and grey.
Each backpack has a color name at the top, giving kids a visual color reference while also introducing them to the written color word.
There are also 5 matching objects for each color, so kids have plenty of pieces to sort onto their backpacks.
You can use all 11 backpacks at once or choose just a few colors at a time depending on your child’s age and skill level.
Supplies You’ll Need
You’ll need:
- Backpack Color Matching Game printable
- Printer
- White cardstock or printer paper*
- Scissors
- Laminator and laminating sheets (optional)
- Hook-and-loop dots (optional)
* I recommend printing the game on cardstock if you have some available. It makes the backpacks and little matching pieces easier for small hands to pick up.
How to Prepare Your Color Sorting Backpack Game
Start by printing the backpack pages and all of the little matching objects.
There are 17 pages in total.
- Cut Out the Game
Next, cut out the individual pieces.
There’s quite a bit of cutting since every backpack has several matching objects, but once it’s done, the game is ready whenever you need a quick Preschool Learning Activity.
You can also decide whether to cut out each backpack or use the page as is.
If you’re using this with younger kids, an adult will probably want to do most of the cutting.
- Make It Reusable
Laminating is completely optional.
If you’re only planning to play a couple of times, cardstock should work just fine. But if you’re a teacher, homeschooler, or simply have a kid who loves matching games, laminating can help the pieces last much longer.
You could also add little hook-and-loop dots to the backpacks and matching pieces. Kids can then stick each object directly onto its backpack.
When you’re finished playing, keep all the pieces in a zippered bag, an envelope, or a small container so nothing gets lost.
How to Play the Backpack Color Matching Game
Once your game is prepared, it’s time to start sorting!
Step 1: Choose the Backpacks
Place the backpacks on a table or on the floor where your child can easily see them.
You don’t have to use all of them right away.
For a child who is just beginning to recognize colors, choose two or three backpacks with very different colors. Once those become easy, you can gradually add more.
Step 2: Mix Up the Matching Pieces
Mix up the small objects and place them in a pile.
You can also spread them around the table so kids can see all of their choices.
Step 3: Match the Colors
Have your child choose one piece at a time.
Ask them to look at its color and find the backpack that matches.
If they pick up a blue object, for example, they’ll place it on the blue backpack.
There are shadows of the objects on each backpack, so they can place the item in the right place.
Continue until all of the objects have found their matching backpacks.
Step 4: Check the Matches Together
Once all of the pieces have been sorted, take a look at each backpack together.
You can name the color and each of the objects on it.
If you spot a piece that doesn’t belong, you don’t necessarily need to move it yourself. Instead, you could ask, “Does this one look like the same color?”
Give your child a chance to look again and figure it out.
Using This as a Montessori Color Sorting Game
You can also use this printable as a simple Montessori Color Sorting Game by giving kids plenty of opportunities to explore and work independently.
It isn’t an official Montessori material, but the hands-on sorting and matching approach works nicely for Montessori-inspired learning at home.
Once you’ve demonstrated the activity, give your child some time to work through it independently.
You don’t have to ask, “What color is this?” every single time they pick up a piece.
Sometimes it’s nice to simply let kids compare, sort, move things around, and figure out where everything belongs.
Watch the Backpack Color Matching Game in Action
Want to see how the game works before trying it yourself? Watch the video below!
Easy Ways to Change the Difficulty
One thing I really like about this Preschool Learning Activity is how easily you can adapt it.
Make It Easier for Younger Preschoolers
If your child is still learning basic colors, keep things simple.
Use only two or three backpacks at a time and choose colors that are noticeably different.
You can also complete the first few matches together.
Pick up an object, say its color aloud, and find the matching backpack. After a few examples, let your child try.
Make It More Challenging
For kids who already know their colors, bring out all 11 backpacks and mix all of the pieces together.
You could also ask kids to name the object and its color before placing it.
For example: “Red crab!” or “Orange carrot!”
You can even draw attention to the written color words on the backpacks.
Turn It Into a Color Hunt
After sorting the printable pieces, take the activity beyond the game.
Choose a backpack and ask your child to find something else in the room that’s the same color.
What else could go inside the blue backpack?
Maybe a blue crayon, a blue block, or a blue toy car.
Sort Without the Backpacks
Put all of the little pieces on the table and ask your child to make groups of matching colors.
After they’re finished, bring out the backpacks and use them to identify the silhouettes.
Play “Find Me Something…”
Spread the pieces around the table and call out a color.
“Find me something yellow!”
Your child then searches for a yellow object.
This makes a quick color recognition game without needing to set up all of the backpacks.
Name the Objects
The little pictures can also be used for vocabulary practice.
Instead of only saying the color, name the object too.
This is particularly useful with younger preschoolers who are building their vocabulary.
Count the Matching Objects
Since there are 5 objects for each color, you can add a little counting practice too.
After filling a backpack, count all of the objects together.
Now your color game has turned into a simple math activity!
Turn It Into a Color Hunt
Hide the pieces around your house or classroom and make kids look for them.
Get the Printable Backpack Color Matching Game
This Backpack Color Matching Game combines several early learning skills into one simple activity.
Kids get to practice color recognition, matching, sorting, visual discrimination, fine motor skills, vocabulary, and even a little counting.
And because of the colorful backpack theme, it fits right in with preschool Back to School Activities.
If you’d like to try the activity with your kids, click the link below to get it. You can simply print the pages, cut out the backpacks and matching pieces, and you’re ready to play.
Get the Backpack Color Matching Game Here!
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