According to the KidsHealth website, when an event occurs, such as reading a storybook or opening presents on Christmas morning, a child's brain determines whether or not it needs to be saved. If it is judged important enough, it is stored in the memory "files" of the brain--the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Unfortunately, no one's memory is always perfect--it is normal for children to forget things and events from time to time. However, games can help kids hone and strengthen memory skills.
Pizza Topping Tag
According to the Disney FamilyFun website, no supplies are needed to play "Pizza Topping Tag." Designate one child as the chef. At "Go!," the Chef must attempt to tag another child. When he succeeds, he must shout out a pizza topping. The tagged child must repeat the topping to the Chef.
When the next player is tagged, he must repeat the new topping--as well as any other pizza toppings the Chef has yelled previously. If a child cannot recite the whole list of toppings, he is out of the game. The last kid left gets to become the new Chef.
Tabletop Memory
Gather about 20 small objects together, such as a pennies, keys and safety pins. The FamilyEducation website suggests placing these items on a tabletop and covering them with a sheet or towel. Have all children then gather around, making sure everyone as a decent view of the table.
Carefully remove the sheet or towel and allow all players to study the items for about two minutes. Cover all of the objects up again and hand out sheets of paper and a pen.
Tell all players to jot down as many of the items as they can remember. Whoever remembers the most objects is the winner. If playing with a younger child that does not know how to write yet, group her with an older kid or adult. Have her whisper what she recalls so her partner can write them down for her.
Snapshot Memory
Print approximately 6 loved photographs in duplicate. Use self-adhesive laminating sheets to cover each photo--or ask a copy shop to do it for you. Help your child cut out the pictures if old enough, being sure he rounds the corners. Now place the pictures face down on the floor or table top and mix them all up. Tell your child to turn two over at a time, attempting to find a match. If he does not successfully find a match, he must turn both pictures back over and start again.
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