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.

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

Let toddlers divide Uno cards by color.

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.

Picking the same number, 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: Sorting by both color and number.

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?

Lego Seek and Graph by Color (free Printable)

Counting Kites Fine Motor Play

Bean Math Grid Game (free printable)

1-2-3-4-5 Fish Cracker Counting Activity (free printable)