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Games That Help to Develop Memory

Long-term memory is essentially infinite, according to The Learning Coach. The memory has no limits, but it is like a muscle that must be exercised. Children and adults can learn to use the memory with activities and games. Don't become frustrated with memory games. With practice and patience, memory skills can improve.

Now You See It, Now You Don't
- This game tests short term memory by having participants memorize items on display in 30 seconds. Ten to 12 different objects are arranged on a tray and covered with a towel. When the towel is removed, participants must memorize the items on display. After 30 seconds the tray is covered again, and participants write down the items they remember. This activity is introductory for teaching memory techniques. The game can also be repeated several times with new items for memory practice.
Who's Missing?
- This memory developing game is for a large group of children between kindergarten and sixth grade. Choose a volunteer in the group to test their memory. The student leaves the room and one remaining classmate hides. When the volunteer returns, he or she must name the missing student. This activity practices visual memory skills in remembering who was in the room. The game can continue in several rounds with different volunteers. Play this game often with students to help develop memory skills.
Memory Verses
- Children learn to develop their memories with consistent practice. Sunday schools and Bible clubs often use memory verses to help children increase their memory skills. Assign a short verse between 5 to 10 words to begin the process. Give children a week to recite the verse by memory. The next week, increase the size of the verse and challenge children to memorize it. Give rewards and prizes for memorizing the verse. Keep increasing the size of the verse to help develop strong memory skills.
Memory Match
- Elderly patients with Alzheimer's or Dementia benefit from memory games. Games such as Memory Match keep the brain sharp and exercise memory skills. Place a series of cards on a table face up. Each card must have a noticeable image and a matching card. Scatter the cards so they are not places near their pairs. Give the patient time to view the cards and memorize their location. Turn the cards over, and have the patient turn one card over at a time, identifying where its match is. This will be difficult and possible frustrating for elderly patients, but it will help keep the brain sharp.

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