Memory Game

I haven't written much yet about the math area of my classroom.  A main reason is that there are still several materials that I need to order to have that area "complete".  So, the shelves are pretty bare right now.  To determine which materials I wanted to order, I had to go through my Math Curriculum Album.  When I was doing that a few weeks ago, I came across an activity called the Memory Game that I had forgotten about.  I have had it on my (very long) list of "things to do" since I found it.  And yesterday when I was at school, I finally got it done.  I am thinking I will put out a variation of this activity on the math shelves for the entire year, changing out the materials seasonally.  Below are my photos with a detailed description.

Materials needed for the Memory Game:  manipulatives with container, folded slips of paper (I used cardstock) with numerals 0-10 written on them, container for numeral slips, tray, rug

Presentation:

1.  Teacher takes a folded slip of paper, looks at it, and slides it under the rug without showing anyone.

2.  Teacher says, "I'm going to get how many my number says."  Teacher gets appropriate number of counters.

3.  Teacher says to child, "Would you like to pick a number?" 

4.  Child picks numeral slip, looks at numeral and gets appropriate number of counters.

5.  Teacher says, "Now I'm going to count my apples."  Teacher counts the apples out loud modelling one-to-one correspondence by touching each apple. 

6.  Teacher says, "I have ________ apples."  Teacher pulls out number slip and compares numeral to the amount she counted.

7.  Child completes steps 5 and 6.

8.  Teacher and child replace number slips and counters and continue with new numerals.

I know this seems like a very simple activity.  However, to successfully complete it, the child must be able to do several things.  First, they need to have recognition and understanding of the numerals 0-10.  They need to be able to hold a number in their memory long enough to count out the correct number of objects.  Additionally, they need to use correct one-to-one correspondence to count out the objects.  Therefore, it is really a very appropriate activity for young children who are just beginning to develop their conceptual understanding of number.  AND, in my experience, they LOVE this activity. 

NOTE:  This activity would best be introduced AFTER the child has worked with the Red and Blue Rods, Sandpaper Numbers, Spindle Box, and Cards and Counters activity.  Variations throughout the year could include counting pumpkins or leaves in the fall, white pom-pom "snowballs" in winter, heart-shaped beads in February, etc.

Comments

[Anna]

just wanted to say I am really enjoying your blog, thanks for sharing all your great ideas. I am setting up a new class for the next school year too so I'm spending the summer preparing and making new materials.

[jo 戎嶋]

This looks like a great game, I will try it with my son maybe next week. His favourite math game at the moment is 'shopping' he puts all his mini fruit and veg out in baskets on the shelves in his bedroom the he picks a number card and I have to ask for something, say apples, he goes and counts the apples into his basket then comes back to the work room and counts them out with the number card on the mat. His counting is a bit hit and miss but he loves the game so he is getting lots of practice.