I can’t take credit for this great idea; my co-worker Kim created our first matching mittens set. But I made these, so I CAN take credit for the silly designs on the mittens.
I made 2 mittens of each color; there are 26 mittens in all (a couple of colors have 2 pair – light and dark blue; light and dark brown). They are clipped, by clothespin, on yarn that I braided together to make it thicker. A rope would probably work better. I got the clothespins at Walgreens, I think. A large bag is pretty inexpensive.
Here’s how I use these: I give each child one mitten (one of each pair; I keep the match). Then I hold up one mitten and ask the kids what color it is. After they’ve answered, I ask if anyone has the match. The child who has it brings up the mitten, and I hold the clothespin open as he or she puts the mitten in. I add the match and hold it up so we can admire our work! We continue until all the matches are made.
If I have more than 13 kids I give out both of the pair, and ask, “does anyone have a green mitten?” The two children with green mittens bring them up and add them to the clothesline.
This could be used to learn about patterns, shapes, and, obviously, colors. I use it with my clothing storytime. You could make matching socks instead of mittens, or even a variety of clothing, if you want. It would be a great follow up to Mrs. McNosh Hangs Up Her Wash or The Mitten. It’s always been a big hit with the kids – they love getting to bring the mitten up and match it in front of the whole group.
Visit Storytime Katie later today for the full Flannel Friday round up!
missmaryliberry.com 
They’re not THAT small – probably the same size as a toddler’s mittens.
oops, bit i forgot to mention: i love your clothesline. i never thought of that, but i have a huge stash of clothespins in my house (for the life of me I can’t remember why/when i purchased them.) but i am totally going to copy this idea.
I do something like this, too. In my registered pre-k storytime (esp. when it’s a smaller group of kids who know me, and each other pretty well) I’ll hide 1/2 of each pair all over the storytime room and then put the matches under the storytimer name tags. Then as we go around the room singing the hello song, each kid show-and-tells his/her pair.
they Look so tiny, Mary! Are they? I get so tired of the same of winter stuff, that this is a cute idea.
Great idea. This will be really easy to do with the toddlers. Thanks!
Stealing this for winter storytime this year! I LOVE it!
Great interactive activity! Would be fun with socks as well.