The Fruit and Vegetable Vocabulary Memory Matching Game is a fun, hands-on way for students to learn, review, and retain everyday food vocabulary. With 36 key words (18 fruits and 18 vegetables), this interactive ESL activity is designed for English language learners (ELL/ESL), speech therapy sessions, kindergarten, and early elementary classrooms.
Perfect for whole group lessons, small groups, literacy centers, or independent practice, this matching game helps learners strengthen vocabulary recognition, spelling, oral language skills, and memory recall. The fun vegetable garden theme keeps learning age-appropriate and engaging with words students encounter in daily life.
Two Differentiated Versions Included
- Version 1: Image + Word Cards — ideal for readers to build spelling and word-picture association
- Version 2: Picture-Only & Picture + Word Cards — perfect for pre-readers and beginning readers developing visual recognition
Word List
Fruits: kiwi, lime, orange, red apple, green apple, blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, peach, pineapple, coconut, watermelon, mango, banana, cherries, grapes, pear, yellow apple
Vegetables & Garden Words: artichoke, yellow pepper, green onion, avocado, radish, lettuce, cabbage, potato, broccoli, corn, eggplant, carrot, tomato, plus extras: snail, shovel, garden gloves, watering can
Why Teachers Love This Game
- Supports ESL and ELL vocabulary building with real-life, practical words
- Encourages memory, categorization, and recall in a playful setting
- Offers differentiation for readers and non-readers
- Low prep — just print, cut, and laminate for long-term use
- Perfect for speech therapy, ESL literacy centers, and cross-curricular themes
Pair It With This Resource
For even more food vocabulary practice, pair this memory matching game with the Food & Drinks Vocabulary Flashcards & Picture Dictionary from Hot Chocolate Teachables. Together, these resources create a complete toolkit for teaching food vocabulary through both interactive play and structured practice.
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