Five Games That Improve Visual Memory

Visual memory is essential for learning. In fact, research shows that students with strong visual memory perform higher-order reasoning tasks better than their peers. And despite what you may think, you can help your students build visual memory without tedious drills.
 
Here are 5 games that you can play with your kids to help them build visual memory.
 
The Grid Game
 
This team-based game calls on kids to recreate the layout of objects in a grid. Here’s how it works:
 

1. First, use chalk, jump ropes, or branches to make a 10x10 grid.
2. Then, place 10 objects into the grid.
3. Give each team a piece of paper with a 10x10 grid drawn on it.
4. Have members of each team run to the real-world grid and memorize the location of the objects.
5. Then, have them run back to their team’s headquarters and draw the object on the grid from memory. The first team to complete their grid correctly wins!
   1. Players can run back and forth as much as they need to. However, those who remember the locations of each object correctly will be able to complete their grids faster, with less running.

 
Kim's Game
 
This game for individuals is another great visual memory tool. To play, place 10 objects on a table and cover them all with a blanket. Then, let your student take the blanket off the table and look at the objects for 1 minute. Based on their age, have them either write down what they saw, or tell you about it. The student who describes all 10 objects correctly wins!
 
Pegs
 
For this game, you’ll need two peg boards, which you should be able to find at any major retailer. Typically, they have a plastic base and a 6x6 layout.
 
To play, arrange pegs on the board in a pattern of your choosing. Then, have the student replicate the pattern on their own peg board. To increase difficulty, give your student less and less time to view the original pattern during each round of play.
 
History Memory Games
 
Memory games are long-time kid favorites. To play, place all the tiles face down and take turns flipping two tiles per turn. The goal is to collect as many pairs as possible. And with our history memory games, you can introduce students to important people, events, and places from ancient, medieval, and American history. That way, when students learn about these historical terms later on, they’ll already be familiar with them.
 
Describe! 
 
This simple game for individual students can be played without any materials at all. To play, tell your students to look at a scene or artwork for a set amount of time. Then, have them describe it to you in as much detail as possible.
 
Closing Thoughts
​
At times, students won’t be excited to do schoolwork. But by making play a part of the learning experience, parents can teach without tedium.