5 Learning Ideas with UNO Cards Adapted for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Today we are going to show you how we adapted Uno Card Game for our toddler and came up with several very simple learning ideas with only UNO cards. We used them to learn colors, numbers and few simplified versions of this game were used to teach toddler basic rules like taking turns.

You have probably played Uno Card Game at some point of your lives. Producer (Mattel) has placed age mark +7 on the top of the box as an age recommendation. And yes, to play Uno Card Game according to rules found inside a box, that would probably be correct. But if you have these cards around, and more than one kid – all of different age, it’s a good chance that your toddler wants to play with your older kids.

I’ve added couple ideas how to adapt Uno card deck with your toddlers and preschooler in a simpler, less frustrating way. In case you don’t have a deck you can purchase it here: United States | Canada | United Kingdom.

Set up your play deck by removing all cards except cards with numbers 1 – 5 in all colors. You’ll still have 40 cards.

1. Color recognition using Uno cards

Simply hand over the hole deck to a child, with all cards mixed. Let toddlers divide Uno cards by color. You can help them start by setting a first card of each color on the table.

It will enhance their knowledge of basic colors (yellow, red, blue, green). Age 2+.

Related: Little Bo Peep Color Matching Activity

2. Number recognition using Uno cards.

Again, give a child the deck. Put down first card with each number, naming numbers out loud as you place them on the table. Let the child pick the same number and place it on top of corresponding number. In this game card color is irrelevant.

Great for number recognition. Age 2+

Related: Counting Eggs Busy Bag

3. Sorting Uno cards by color and number

A little bit more enhanced task for a child: Sorting by both color and number. They need to pay attention to both to complete the task. Here they work on both color and number recognition.

Age 3+

4. Do you have game using Uno cards

Simplified card game version 1: Do you have the….

Shake the cards, deal each of the players 5 cards, other cards face down on the table. One player calls out the card he / she has in hand (example: “Do you have red No.1?”. Other players check their hands, if they have it, they collect both cards, and if they don’t they draw another card from the pile. A player who collects most cards is the winner.

Age 3+

Related: Roll a Flower Free Printable Game

5. Black Jack with Uno Cards

Simplified card game version 2: Play it as Black Jack.  Just add another card from the deck (totally different than others) as a Black Jack.

Age 3+

WHAT TO TRY NEXT?

Here are few ideas you can try with a child:

• Lego Seek and Graph by Color (free Printable) – combination of math and color recognition with sensory play.
• Counting Kites Fine Motor Play – work on fine motor skills.
• Bean Math Grid Game (free printable) – can be played in a pair or with a group of kids.
• 1-2-3-4-5 Fish Cracker Counting Activity (free printable) – yummy math activity!