Memory Game

Memory Game
Math - Numbers 0-10
Level	Primary
Age	3.5 - 4
Prerequisites	understands the concept of zero Cards and Counters
Materials	slips of paper with the numbers 0-10 55 small objects 2 bowls tray

This activity the child practices numbers 0 through 10. The added difficulty in this game is that the children must hold a number in their memory for a short while.

Presentation

Done with a group of up to 11 children.

1. Take the material to a mat. Have the children sit around the mat.

   

2. Have each person at the mat draw a slip of paper with a number from the bowl. Look at the number but be sure not to let anyone else see it.

   

3. Fold the slips of paper back up and slide each partway under the rug.

   

4. One at a time, have each person take the number of objects from the bowl as was on their paper. Hide the objects so that no one else can see them.

   

5. One at a time, have each person reveal their objects and the numbers on their paper. Count out the objects to see if it is the same as the number on the paper.

   

Points of Interest

• Children enjoy keeping the numbers secret until the end.
• Older children can find it very funny when they draw zero. They have fun pretending that they are taking objects from the bowl and pretending to hide objects under their hands.

Control of Error

Correct sequencing of numbers and long term retention

Variations and Extensions

• Instead of having objects in a bowl children can get a number of objects from around the classroom or house (3 spoons, 7 books, 2 socks, etc.). They can hide the objects in their hands or pockets if they are small enough, larger objects can be hidden under shirts.

Further Reading

• This article from the blog The Moveable Alphabet has perhaps the best explanation of the Memory Game.
• Basic Montessori: Learning Activities for Under-fives by David Gettman, pages 168-169