This activity is truly amazing. (I got this idea from the blog Meri Cherry but, changed it around a bit)
- It’s easy
- Takes lots of time (can even be done on a car trip)
- Makes no mess
- Can go on endlessly (depending on how many matches they want to make
All you need for this activity is cards cut up (we cut index cards in half) and rolls of tape. Colored and patterned. 
We had an assortment of plain colored and patterned tape.
I knew that the children (in our art camp) would run out of ideas to use for  patterns  so I made a  sheet of different pattern ideas.
Of course, I told them that they did not have to follow those patterns but, these were just ideas to jump start their creativity.
They were simply instructed to make 2 of whatever pattern they made, and they all picked up this concept idea very nicely.
It happens to be a great rainy day activity since its a  quiet  kind of activity and takes a long time.
For younger children you may need to help them rip or tear the tape pieces.
One thing that you should try to get the children to be aware of: They should try not to wrap the tape around to the back of the cards.
My grandson had made a set of cards and when I was playing with him, he was able to see which patterns they were from the pieces of tape that were coming around from the back. (they love to cheat that way anyway)
With the younger ones, it doesn’t really matter, its the fun of the card creation.
It will be easier for the older ones to keep the tape on the front than it is for the younger ones.
What a fun idea! I love that they are making their own game. Kids would probably be way more excited to play a game they made rather than one of the store bought memory games. I’ll have to hold onto this idea for when my kids are a little older.
Thanks Michelle. I think they are ready for something like this around 4 yrs old and yes it is more fun to play with something that you create on your own.
I make a memory game with my kindergarten kids photos on one card and their names on the other. It’s a fun way for the kids to learn each other’s names – and how to read them.
I agree. I actually just suggested the idea of using the kids names as a beginning year activity to someone. Thanks
Super fun idea! What a great way to learn their names 🙂 Thanks for the idea!
Ok Rebecca so I see you like the name idea. You can do both in one game, names and tape patterns
how great! thanks for sharing this!
What a great idea! I’m always on the lookout for activities which will keep my son occupied for long periods during winter when he can’t go outside as much. I reckon he’ll love this one!
Yes Lizzy this will definitely keep him occupied for a while. He may not even finish this in one sitting and he can make as many as he’d like
What a great idea!! Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!
What a great open-ended activity! Thanks for linking up to Discover and Explore!