The Best 12 English Learning Memory Games For Children
Author: Nicole Sage
Date: 12/05/2023
Learning English can be a challenging task for children, especially if it is not their first language.
However, using memory games can be a fun and effective way to help them learn and retain new vocabulary and grammar structures.
Memory games can also help children develop important cognitive skills such as attention, concentration, and memory retention. Memory games are a great complement to their online studies with Meridian English, helping to broaden their vocabulary and practice these words on a regular basis.
If you’re looking to complement your child’s current studies, here are 12 of the best English learning memory games to engage and spark interest in your children.
The Best 12 English Learning Memory Games For Children
Memory Match Game
The classic memory match game is a great way for children to practice vocabulary words. To play, simply print out two sets of picture cards (e.g., animals, food, household items) and mix them up.
Lay the cards face down on a table and have the child turn over two cards at a time to find a matching pair.
Simon Says
Simon Says is a fun game that can be used to practice following instructions and learning new vocabulary.
The game involves one player (the “leader”) giving instructions to the other players (the “followers”). The followers must only follow the instruction if the leader says “Simon says” before the instruction.
For example, ‘Simon says to stand up on one foot’ or ‘Simon says to yawn’.
Concentration
Concentration is another classic memory game that can be used to practice vocabulary words.
To play, print out two sets of word cards and mix them up. Lay the cards face down on a table and have the child turn over two cards at a time until they find a matching pair.
Go Fish
Go Fish is a card game that can be used to practice asking and answering questions.
To play, each player is dealt a set of cards, and the remaining cards are placed in a pile in the center of the table.
Players take turns asking each other if they have a specific card (e.g., “Do you have any apples?”).
If the other player has the card, they must give it to the player who asked. The player with the most sets of matching cards at the end of the game wins.
Hangman
A very popular word game for young learners that can be used to practice spelling and vocabulary.
To play, one player thinks of a word and draws a series of dashes to represent each letter in the word. The other player must guess letters one at a time. If the guessed letter is in the word, the first player writes the letter in the appropriate dash.
If the guessed letter is not in the word, the first player draws a part of a stick figure (e.g., a head, body, arms, legs) to represent a hanging man. The game ends when the word is guessed or the stick figure is completed.
Word Ladder
Word Ladder is an engaging and fun way to widen a child’s vocabulary. To play, choose a word and have the child change one letter at a time to make a new word.
For example, if the starting word is “cat,” the child could change it to “bat,” then “pat,” then “pot,” and so on.
Scrabble
Scrabble has been used and loved for decades by both young learners and adults, and one that can instill competitiveness in every age.
It’s a great game that can be used to practice spelling and vocabulary. To play, each player is given a set of letter tiles and must use them to create words on a board. Each letter has a point value, and the player with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Alphabet Game
The Alphabet Game is a simple game that can be used to practice letter recognition and vocabulary.
To play, choose a category (e.g., animals, food, cities) and have the child name something in that category that starts with each letter of the alphabet.
Bingo
Bingo is a classic game that can be used to practice vocabulary and listening skills. To play, each player is given a bingo card with a set of words or pictures on it. The game leader calls out words or shows pictures, and players mark off the corresponding square on their bingo card.
The first player to mark off a complete row or pattern on their bingo card wins.
Memory Tray
Place a variety of small objects on a tray. Give children a few minutes to observe the objects, and then cover the tray.
The players must write down or recall as many objects as they can remember. The player who remembers the most objects correctly wins.
Memory Chain
Memory Chain is a game that can be used to practice vocabulary and memory retention. To play, the first player says a word (e.g., “dog”), and the second player must say a word that starts with the last letter of the first word (e.g., “goat”).
The game continues with each player adding a new word to the chain.
Word Association
Word Association is a fun game that can be used to practice vocabulary and creativity. To play, choose a word and have the child say the first word that comes to mind that is related to the original word.
For example, if the original word is “tree,” the child could say “leaves” or “branches.”
These twelve English learning memory games are great for children of all ages and language levels.
They are not only effective for learning new vocabulary and grammar structures, but they are also fun and engaging for young children who have an appetite to learn.
Using these games as part of an English language learning curriculum can help children develop important cognitive skills, such as attention, concentration, and memory retention, while improving their English language proficiency.
Additionally, playing these games in a group setting can help children develop important social skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Looking to take your young learners’ English language to the next level? Our English classes for children aged 5-15 will take them from beginner to confident English speaker, book your course today.
