Memory game – what’s missing?

This memory game starts easy and can get as hard as you like. Build it up as your child gets better at it – and they will develop their memory, problem-solving, talking and counting skills.

What do I need?

• A cloth such as a small blanket or tea towel
• A range of familiar items – initially 3 or 4 – such as a small teddy, spoon, crayon, book, toy car

How do I do it?

1. Place 3 or 4 items together on a table or the floor and talk to your child about them.
2. Cover them with the cloth.
3. Ask your child to look away as you take away one of the items.
4. Now ask your child to look back again. Remove the cloth to reveal what is left. Ask your child to use their memories to figure out which item is missing.
5. You can add more objects for older children, or as your child gets better at the game. You can also make it harder by removing two items at a time or rearranging the remaining items.

Instead of using a cloth, you can ask your child to close their eyes while you remove the item/s.No-one knows your child better than you.  So, choose and/or adapt ideas here to best suit you and your child. Remember it’s the talking and time spent together that matters most.