Mastering Memory Through Play
When you start to look into it, it’s amazing to discover just how many things your child can learn from play. As well as fostering independence and a sense of self, the majority of childhood games are also ideal for things like creativity, cognition, and problem-solving. When you choose the right games, you could also help your child to develop life-long skills like improved memory.
Of course, not every game is great for memory these days. In fact, in a fast-fire world of computer games and online activity, we’ve all knocked our attention spans to an all-time low. This is all the more reason to make memory learning a priority for your youngsters. But, what are the right games to make that possible?
In this article, we consider just a few games that continue to make memory learning a priority, and why you should take the time to implement at least a few of them into your child’s routine.
Why do memory games matter?
As mentioned, experts who have studied our attention spans for the past twenty years have noticed a decrease from around two and a half minutes to just 45 seconds. That’s a major drop, and it’s left most of us with memories worse than a goldfish.
This is a serious issue and, if we’re not careful, there’s a real risk that it’ll affect kids who are growing up with far more screen time than any generation before them.
Memory games are the ideal solution. As well as offering endless fun for kids who tend to have a natural passion for spotting patterns, memory games harness a range of vital skills that can help children retain better memory skills both now and well into their futures.
Just a few of the benefits that your child can enjoy from playing memory games regularly include –
- Improved focus/ability to block out distractions
- Visual cue recognition
- Literacy development
- Problem-solving
- Etc.
The best make-do memory games to play
You don’t need a fancy board game to get memory games right with your children. When you’re first starting with introducing memory games to your child, you may find it far more beneficial to use things that you have around the house. Just a few options worth considering include –
# 1 – Listing games
Memory experts will often use things like lists to help them develop their skills, and list games are a great, low-key place to start with this at home. Without needing any prior equipment, a listing game can take many forms, and is a great way to test everything from your child’s creativity to their ability to retain information. Some of the best list games you could play for every age include –
- Alphabet listing: Each player must think of a word or name (in a category of your choosing, e.g. girl’s names) for each letter of the alphabet, while also listing all of the words or names that have come before. Great for literacy as well as memory development.
- ‘I packed my suitcase’: Each player must list an item they’ve packed in their suitcase, as well as recall everything else in the suitcase so far.
- ‘I went shopping’: Each player must say an item of shopping to put in their trolley, as well as listing everything that’s already in there.
Ultimately, you can make list games like these work for just about anything if you put your mind to it. You could even make up song lists to help younger children remember using melody or movement. Either way, this is a great game that you can play to keep everyone happy and keep your memories honed, in the car, on a rainy day, or even with friends.
# 2 – Cup games
If you have a cup and any toy, be it a ball or a tiny figurine, then you could also have a lot of fun with cup games. Admittedly, these might not appeal to older children, who will find this challenge a little too simple. But, for children between the ages of around 3-6, cup games can be a lot of fun and an accessible way to start learning about memory recall.
To play, simply pick three or more paper cups and one item to put in them (e.g. a ball or other small toy). Clearly show your child which cup you’re placing the toy under, and then have them watch as you slide the cups into a different order. Then, ask your child if they remember which cup the toy is under.
This game couldn’t be easier to play with items that we all already have around the house. Yet, it could work wonders for helping your child to start harnessing memory skills when games like the listing options mentioned are still a little too advanced.
# 3 – Card games
Most of us have a pack of cards hidden in some cupboard or other, so it’s also worth noting that card games can be great for developing memory in pretty much any age range. It’s also now possible to find some great online card games for free, making this a fantastic option both onscreen and in person. The best age-appropriate memory card games to play with your child might include –
- Concentration (2+): For young children, basic card memory games can be a great way to start harnessing memory skills. If possible, try to play this game with a pack of character or illustrated cards, though it can also work with traditional cards if that’s all you have. Place a select number of paired cards face down and evenly spaced between players. Each player must take turns picking two cards to find a matching pair. The player with the most pairs in the end wins.
- Snap (3+): Even young children can begin to develop their memory by playing a simple game of snap. To play, portion a pack of cards amongst players. Take it in turns to place one card down at a time. If a card lands on a matching card (which could depend on anything from the card number, to the card suit or even colour), the first player to shout snap wins the pack. The player with the most cards at the end wins.
- Go fish (5+): Go fish is a basic group card game where players must form sets of four cards by asking other players if they have certain desired cards. To play, deal 7 or less cards to each player, and then place a pile in the middle. If the player asked about a card doesn’t have it, they must say ‘Go fish’ and the player whose turn it is must then pick a card from the pack. As well as helping to develop memory, this is great for helping younger children to recognise key social skills and body language.
- Solitaire (7+): Solitaire is a great card game for developing crucial skills like memory, and has the benefit of solo, concentrated play. You can now play solitaire either in-person or online, making this a great choice for gaming on the go. To play, players must divide their cards into seven varying columns, with column one having one card, column two having two, and so on. The aim is to create a sequence among the seven piles in descending order. While less obviously memory-based, the need to remember things like where your cards are placed, and the order of each suit, as well as the concentration required for play, can prove hugely beneficial from a cognitive and memory standpoint.
Board games for memory
As well as some great make-do memory games, there are also some fantastic memory-based board games that you might want to invest in if your child seems enthusiastic. Some of the top options to look out for include –
- Cluedo: Cluedo is a classic board game that requires players to remember and note the questions asked by their fellow players. This game requires memory skills, concentration, and problem-solving, and is ideal for children ages eight and up.
- Simon: Simon is an electronic game that requires players to repeat light and sound sequences by pressing coloured buttons. Great for players of all ages, this is a fantastic way to test basic memory skills, as well as things like concentration
- Bingo: Bingo games can be a great starting point for memory purposes. From basic colour-matching bingo games to more elaborate bug and alphabet bingo games for older children, bingo requires players to remember what they need to fill their cards, as well as developing the reactions required to act on it.
Making memory funYou could argue that there’s never been a more important time for us to focus on our children’s memory function. Playing any of these games is a great way to bring that priority into light, and teach your kids that remembering things can be fun. Then, when it comes to things like exam revision, you can bet they’ll be far better able to retain all-important information which will take them far!
