Make Your Own Memory Game
Here's What To Do
1
Cut a piece of paper into 8-12 squares.
2
Ask your child to create matching memory game cards. Have them draw two of the same thing on two of the squares. Repeat until you have 4-6 sets of matching drawings.
- Suggested drawings: shapes, lines, animals, foods, flowers, trees, suns, etc.
3
Once all the drawings are complete, turn them over to the blank side and mix them up to play a memory game.
4
How to Play "Memory":
- Ask your child to flip over 2 cards at a time.
- If your child turns over 2 drawings that are the same, that’s a win! Remove the cards and keep them to the side.
- If your child turns over 2 drawings that are not the same, they must turn them back over and keep turning over 2 at a time until they find a match.
- Continue playing until all matches have been made.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Find a quiet space, free of distractions with an area or surface for you and your child to play at eye-level.
E
Engage:
- "We're going to make a memory game! Before we can play, we have to make sets of matching drawings. Can you think of something you could draw on two of the cards?"
- "Now we're going to play. Pick two cards to turn over, we're going to see if you can find two that are the same. Ah! You didn't get it that time, turn them back over and then you can try two new cards."
E
Encourage:
- Your child’s drawings may not match or look similar, so encourage them to use the same colors or work together to add other noticeable details.
- Encourage your child to remember the cards they've already turned over so they can find a match sooner. Your child likely won't be able to remember all the cards, but this game helps them work on building their working memory.
R
Reflect:
- Ask your child if it seemed tricky or easy to remember where the pictures were hiding.
Not quite ready?
Play with just 2-3 sets of matching drawings.
Ready for more?
Play the memory game against an opponent and see who can find the most matches!
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to remember about 4 pieces of information in their memories at a time.