Chinese New Year Matching Game

This Chinese New Year Matching Game is a fun and entertaining way for kids to learn about Chinese traditions, and also to learn about animals.

Learning about Chinese New Year and the zodiac animals helps kids understand and appreciate different cultures. It’s an opportunity to understand other people and promote curiosity about the world and people around us.

What is Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, is the most important traditional holiday in China and is widely celebrated in other Asian countries and communities worldwide. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year and typically falls between January 21 and February 20, depending on the lunar cycle. Each year is associated with one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, rotating on a cyclical basis.

Animals of the Chinese Zodiac

Below is a list of the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac and what each animal represents.

• Dog: Loyal, honest, kind, cautious, and protective
• Dragon: Confident, charismatic, enthusiastic, intelligent, and creative
• Horse: Energetic, independent, enthusiastic, and optimistic
• Monkey: Intelligent, witty, curious, playful, and inventive
• Ox: Hardworking, reliable, patient, determined, and honest
• Pig: Generous, compassionate, diligent, and easygoing
• Rabbit: Gentle, kind, elegant, responsible, and diplomatic
• Rat: Intelligent, resourceful, charming, adaptable, quick-witted, and ambitious
• Rooster: Honest, ambitious, hardworking, confident, and punctual
• Sheep: Gentle, artistic, empathetic, calm, and thoughtful
• Snake: Wise, intuitive, graceful, private, and analytical
• Tiger: Brave, confident, competitive, and charismatic

What is a Memory Matching Game?

A memory matching game is a fun and engaging activity where players match pairs of cards or tiles that have the same image or design. The game typically involves laying all the cards face down in a grid and taking turns flipping over two cards at a time. The goal is to find all the matching pairs by remembering the positions of the cards you’ve seen.

Memory matching games are perfect for family game nights, classroom activities, or even solo play to pass the time while keeping your mind sharp. They’re simple, entertaining, and packed with benefits for all ages!

Related: Color Matching Popsicle Craft & Game

Printable Chinese New Year Animal Matching Game

This printable page features 12 animal cards to print and cut out. Print the page twice for a full set of 24 matching animal cards.

How to prepare and play the game:

1. Print two copies (fill out the form below to receive a downloadable file).

2. Laminate each sheet and then cut out the squares. You can cut out the squares first and then laminate, and then cut the squares from the laminate if you prefer.

3. Shuffle up the cards and then lay them all out, blank side up, in rows (8×3) or (6×4).

4. Take turns flipping over two cards at a time to find matches.

Printer PaperWireless Color All-in-One PrinterStainless Steel ScissorsScotch Thermal Laminator

Benefits of a Memory Matching Game

Improves Memory Skills: It challenges your brain to remember where you saw specific images, boosting your short-term memory.

Enhances Concentration: Players focus on remembering card positions, which sharpens attention and focus.

Develops Cognitive Skills: The game helps with pattern recognition, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Encourages Social Interaction: When played in groups, it’s a great way to bond and practice turn-taking.

Accessible for All Ages: It’s simple to play but still challenging enough to keep everyone engaged—kids and adults alike.

This printable Chinese New Year Animal Matching Game is a fun and engaging way to celebrate the holiday while learning about the zodiac animals. It’s perfect for kids, families, or classrooms looking to explore the traditions of the zodiac in an interactive way.