Touch Memory Relay with Texture Boxes

In teams and relay style, students run to a grid of closed boxes with a hand hole, reach into two of them, and try to find matching textures by touch alone. Students practice tactile discrimination, memory, and teamwork.

How to play

1. Prepare 12 numbered shoeboxes per team with a hand hole in each lid. Inside go 6 pairs of textures: sandpaper, cotton, scouring pad, terry cloth, bubble wrap, and cork.
2. Form 4 teams of 6 in lines behind a cone. Each team's boxes sit in a grid 10 m (33 ft) away.
3. On the whistle, the first student reaches into two boxes and, if they think they match, sets them aside together. If not, they leave them and run back to high-five the next teammate.
4. Teammates may whisper tips like "number 4 is scratchy." When a team thinks it is done, the teacher opens the boxes: correct pair +1, wrong pair −1.
5. Each round takes about 5 minutes. Teams switch grids and play two more rounds.

Rules

• No peeking inside or lifting the lids.
• Touch only two boxes per turn.
• Run out through the middle and back along the side to avoid collisions.
• No texture may be sharp or pointy.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: shorten the course and place the boxes on a gym bench at hand height for a student who uses a wheelchair.
• Autism or tactile sensitivity: preview the textures, allow a thin glove, and offer the checker role.
• Skill level: advanced students call out the box numbers they touch so the team can memorize the grid.

Learning goals

• Distinguish textures by touch.
• Remember where explored items are and share it.
• Cooperate by taking turns and following relay rules.

Equipment for a class of 25

• shoeboxes: 48
• assorted textures: 48
• cones: 8

Teacher tip

Make the boxes once with student helpers and store them for the whole year. Before each class, check that no texture has come loose.

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