Countries & Capitals Match-Ups

Countries & Capitals Match-Ups lesson plan

Quick, what’s the capital of Chile? Indonesia? Ghana? Create and play this game to remember countries, capitals, flags, and other facts.

  • 1.

    There’s nothing like a matching game to help you remember math facts, dates, and other information. Here’s a game to help you and a partner study country (or state or province) capitals, flags, or other information.

  • 2.

    <STRONG> Decorate a game box.</STRONG> With Crayola® Scissors, cut paper to cover a recycled box. Decorate it with Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils. They erase easily if you change your mind! Attach the paper to the box with Crayola School Glue. Air-dry the glue.

  • 3.

    <STRONG>Make your matching cards</STRONG>. Cut at least 36 cards from recycled file folders. Measure them so that they are all the same size. Color one side with the same design.

  • 4.

    Using the countries and capitals that you are studying, write the name, outline a map, list the capital city, or write a fact about the country. Make at least two cards for each country. Make at least 18 sets of cards so you can challenge your skills.

  • 5.

    <STRONG> Play!</STRONG> Place all cards face down. Take turns trying to find a match. When you’ve mastered all of the information, exchange cards with your classmates. Create new cards with different countries and capitals, too.

Benefits

  • Students identify countries (or states/provinces), capitals, flags, or other information to memorize.
  • Students create a matching game with sets of information cards and a box to hold their cards.
  • Students play the game in small groups and increase the difficulty of the game as their knowledge expands.

Adaptations

  • Add information about population, geographical facts, customs, historical landmarks, famous leaders, or rivers.
  • Adapt this game for any subject, such as a second language or math. To make the game even more complicated, mix different types of facts. For instance combine words in the country’s language with facts about it.
  • Take your cards home to play with your families.
  • Assessment: Check the accuracy of information before playing. Note when students have memorized information and ask them to trade card sets or make new cards.