Human Memory: Who Does the Same?
Half the class are cards in a memory game: they crouch down, hiding a secret gesture they share with one partner. The other half run to flip two cards at a time and must remember where each gesture was to find the pairs.
How to play
- Explain the memory game with two real matching cards. Split the class into cards and seekers; the cards crouch spread out around the space (2 min).
- The teacher walks by the cards and whispers each pair's secret gesture: clapping, waving like a king, hopping like a bunny, moving like a robot… Two cards share each gesture (2 min).
- A seeker runs and taps two cards on the head; those cards stand up and do their gesture. If they don't match, they crouch back down and the seeker runs back to tag another seeker's hand (3 min).
- When two cards do the same gesture, all the seekers copy it, and the pair holds hands and sits together on the side. Keep going until every pair is found (3 min).
- Switch roles: the seekers become cards and get new gestures. Play another full round (4 min).
Rules
- Cards don't talk or do their gesture until they're tapped.
- Tap two cards at a time, gently.
- Those waiting can help remember, without shouting out the answer.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, only four pairs of cards, very clear animal gestures, and the teacher goes along with each seeker.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, six pairs with animal and job gestures.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, eight pairs with similar gestures that require close looking (hop on one foot or two, wave with one hand or both).
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the child can be a card with an arm gesture, or a seeker who points while a buddy taps for them.
- Hearing loss: show the secret gesture silently to the pair instead of whispering it.
- Autism: start as a seeker with an adult and, once the game makes sense, be a card with a favorite gesture.
Learning goals
- Remember where gestures are in the space.
- Move quickly and stop next to a classmate.
- Take turns and help the group find the pairs.
Teacher tip
Set the cards in rows so they're easier to remember. The usual mistake is cards doing their gesture too early out of excitement: practice “still as a face-down card” first.
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