Cactus and Llama Theme I Spy "Flip" Board Game 

Silly llamas, smiling succulents, and cactus friends make this I Spy game a hit in every classroom! 🦙🌵

The Cactus and Llama I Spy Board Game brings desert fun to your small groups, centers, and therapy sessions with bright colors, adorable themed images, and a fast-paced visual search format that kids can’t get enough of!

This playful I Spy matching game was originally designed to help preschoolers and special education students strengthen scanning, attention, and visual discrimination skills in a hands-on way.

But now, it's a favorite tool across grade levels for speech-language pathologists, OT providers, ELL teachers, and classroom educators looking for a screen-free activity that really works.

Quick to prep, simple to learn, and full of spring-themed joy... this I Spy game is your go-to for sensory bins, sub folders, or rainy day centers!

👉 The Cactus and Llama Desert Theme I Spy "Flip" Board Game is also included in the 30 Theme I Spy Flip Bundle... grab the bundle and save! 🎉

What's Included in the Cactus and Llama I Spy Board Game Set?

• 10 full-color I Spy game boards filled with llamas, cacti, succulents, and desert blooms
• 40 image cards featuring the individual I Spy targets in crisp, engaging designs
• 12 token cards used to track who found their item first
• Instructions for the I Spy “Flip” style gameplay... perfect for group interaction and visual learning
• Print-and-go format Just print, laminate for durability, and play!
  

Skills Addressed through the Cacti and Llama I Spy Games:

Primary Academic & Cognitive Skills

• Visual scanning and discrimination:
  Children scan busy I Spy game boards to identify specific images, improving observation, focus, and pattern recognition.
  
• Object identification:
  Supports vocabulary and recognition of familiar and new desert-themed objects like potted plants, llamas, and flowers.
  
• Matching and comparison:
  Promotes visual matching skills and attention to detail as students locate their I Spy card image among look-alikes.
  
• Attention and quick thinking:
  Fast-paced I Spy game play keeps students alert and boosts cognitive flexibility and reaction time.
  
• Speech and expressive language:
  Describing their images and interacting with peers supports language development, turn-taking, and vocabulary growth.
  
• Color and category awareness:
  Children build knowledge of attributes like shape, color, and category as they discuss and match their I Spy images.
  

Secondary SEL & Life Skills

• Turn-taking and peer interaction:
  I Spy games reinforce fairness, patience, and teamwork through friendly competition and shared fun.
  
• Emotional regulation:
  Children practice staying calm and focused whether they win or lose a round.
  
• Adaptability and flexible thinking:
  Each I Spy round presents a new challenge, encouraging players to shift focus quickly and adjust strategies.
  
• Parallel play support:
  Optional setup lets children engage side-by-side without needing to compete or directly interact... ideal for students who prefer independent activity with social proximity.
  

How to Use the Cactus and Llama I Spy Game:

1. Print and prep the image cards, I Spy game boards, and tokens on cardstock and laminate for long-term use.
2. Set up for 2–4 players by dealing the cards face-down in front of each player.
3. Each player flips their top card at the same time.
4. Search the board to find the matching I Spy object pictured on your card.
5. The first to find it wins a token!
6. Continue playing until all cards have been used.
7. Count the tokens to see who spotted the most images and won the game!
   

Additional Ways to Play the Cactus and Llama I Spy Game:

Independent Learning:

Give students one I Spy game board and the full set of image cards. As they match and cover pictures on their own, they build visual attention and matching skills at their own pace.

Parallel Play Setup:

Perfect for students who benefit from a side-by-side setup without direct competition. Each player has their own I Spy game board and cards to work through individually, but in a shared space.

These I Spy game options are fantastic for sensory bins, early finisher tubs, morning work, and differentiated instruction!

I Spy "Flip" is Perfect For:

• Spring or desert-themed learning centers
• Indoor recess and screen-free downtime
• Small group intervention and RTI
• ELL/ESL vocabulary support
• Occupational therapy visual scanning work
• Speech therapy prompts and labeling practice
• Sub plans or grab-and-go emergency folder
• Sensory rooms and calming corner stations
  

Standards Alignment:

✔ Texas Pre-K Guidelines:

Supports Language & Communication by expanding vocabulary and encouraging expressive language; Fine Arts by engaging students in observation and visual detail; Social & Emotional Development through structured play.

✔ Virginia ELDS:

Addresses Approaches to Learning by promoting focus, persistence, and engagement through hands-on, visual activities.

✔ Common Core ELA (K and Pre-K):

Connects to standards such as:

• SL.K.1: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners
• SL.K.4: Describe familiar people, places, things with detail
• SL.K.6: Speak audibly and express thoughts clearly
• L.K.5: Explore word relationships and nuances in word meanings

Check out what other educators are saying:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Cristina C. wrote, “I used it as a game during my small group, the kids love it and it is a good resource to get them to pay attention.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Treasured Teal Inc (TPT Seller) wrote, “Thank you for a great resource! My kids loved using it and learning with/from it :)”

This cactus and llama themed game will provide an exciting way to work on a long list of skills! You don’t want to miss out on this ENGAGING resource. Make sure to add this resource to your cart.

📥 Download Info:

This is a digital download—no physical items will be shipped.

You'll receive a link:

• On the “thank you” page after checkout

• In your confirmation email

• Anytime from your account: https://lifeovercsstore.com/account

Want even more themed I Spy fun? This game is part of the 30 Theme I Spy Flip Bundle—available year-round with tons of seasonal favorites. Bundle and save! 💗

Whether you're diving into a desert theme, looking to build visual skills, or just want to add FUN to your centers, this Cactus and Llama I Spy game is ready to roll! 

Let the spying begin! 👀💗