Preschoolers learn through play and having fun. One skill that can be developed that is useful throughout life is knowing how to use one's memory. Psychology Today states that children tend to remember things that are novel, fun and meaningful. Make meaningful memories with your child by playing memory games with him. He will be having fun and learning at the same time, which is a formula for success in improving memory skills.
What's Missing?
Place several items on a tray. Have your preschooler look at the items for a few minutes, then ask her to cover her eyes. Take one or two of the objects away, and see whether she can identify what is missing. Another way to play the game is to place the items in a line, and to switch two of the items. See whether she can tell which items are out of order. A variation on the game is to add an item to the tray, and to see whether she knows what object is there now that wasn't there before.
Concentration
This is a classic game that can be played with a purchased set, homemade cards or on the computer. Place several pairs of matching cards face down. Taking turns with your child, turn over two cards to see whether they match. If they do, you keep the pair. If they are not the same, turn the cards back over. Begin with about five pairs of cards, and gradually work your way up to 10 or 20 pairs, depending on your child's skill level.
Narration
Tell your preschooler a short story. It can be something traditional, such as the story of the three little pigs or a story you make up yourself. Ask her to repeat what happened in the story. This exercise not only develops memory skills, but also will encourage her to listen carefully and to put the story into her own words. This is good practice for learning reading comprehension later.
I See an Island
Family Education suggests this fun game for the entire family to sharpen memory skills as well as creativity. Begin by saying, "I see an island, and on it is...." Fill in one detail, such as "blue birds" or "a banana tree." The second person repeats what you said and adds his own observation about the island. Play goes from person to person until someone forgets what another player said. Change the game each time by "seeing" an amusement park, a zoo, a city or a park.
