Action Memory Game for Kids
The Action Memory Game is a fun way for kids to exercise their brain and thier body. It is perfect for quick brain breaks at school, home, or during a therapy session and there is no need for any equipment.
This simple action memory game is so much fun to play! It’s perfect for kids of all ages, and works on a child’s motor memory and motor planning skills.
If you need more activity ideas like this one, check out 25 Instant Sensory Motor Group Activities.
How to Play the Action Memory Game for Kids
The purpose of this activity is to practice following motor commands and various motor skills all while challeninging your student’s memory skills.
Step One: Action Memory Game for Kids
Begin with the lead therapist or teacher standing in front of the group of students. The leader demonstrates one movement at a time. The students practice repeating the movements that the teacher makes.
For example:
- palms up/ down
- arms up/down
- arms circles
- clapping hands overhead
- lifting knees up high
- touch toes
- jump up
- hop on one foot
Step Two: Add Actions Together
Now move on to the next level of the memory game for kids. Add the motor actions together and your students have to remember them.
The leader now performs several motor actions in a row. For example:
- 3 arms circles – one jump forward – three claps
- 2 toe touches – 4 claps overhead – one hop on right foot
Students have to remember and repeat exact pattern that the leader performed. Now assign a student to come forward and create a pattern for the class to repeat. Continue taking turns and remembering the patterns.
Step Three: Try a Variation of the Game
You can change up this game and have everyone come up with their own actions for the memory game for kids.
Put at least three students together in a group or make one large group. The first student performs a motor action. The second student must perform that action plus a motor action of his/her own. The third student then must perform the first move, second move and add his/her own.
For example: Student 1 – jumps up 2x –> Student 2 – jumps up 2x and spins around 1x –> Student 3 – jumps up 2x, spins around 1x and hops 4x.
You continuing adding motor actions and remembering the order that they go in.
Want to Make It Even HARDER?
Whatever version of the game you are playing, you can make the memory aspect of the game even harder and challenge their working memory a step further?
The leader shows the students the motor actions to remember (see Step Two). Before the students repeat the pattern, start talking about a different topic or subject. Perhaps review some quiz questions. Then a few minutes later see if the student can repeat the motor action patterns you originally showed them.
Want to Make the Memory Game for Kids EASIER?
If the game and the examples are too difficult for your students, keep the actions very simple and only do one. For example, clap once and stomp your foot. The students can try and repeat it. Try again and kick your leg, clap once and jump up once. Can the students remember those actions?
By keeping it to only one action you will make it easier for them to remember.
If your students benefit from visual supports, Move Like Me, offers motor actions for the children to follow. Practice showing the pictures, doing the actions, and then cover up the picture. Can they repeat the motor actions again without the picture showing?
Need More Motor Memory Games?
If you like this memory game for kids, check out this interactive Motor Memory Game. This digital packet of Motor Memory Games includes 5 games to memorize colors and move your body. You can play these games on Google Slides, Powerpoint AND print the games!
- Pick a game to play from Standing Exercises, Hands, Seated Stretches, Body Parts and Panda Yoga. Review the motor skills for the game you pick before you start using the spinner and memorizing the colors.
- Spin the spinner and color the squares.
- Cover up the colored squares and see if you can remember the correct order. Perform the actions based on the colored cards.
