We’ve talked about using games in a variety of ways…today, we’re covering the use of a Memory Card Game to work on various skills in OT. It would be easy to incorporate some handwriting games into a memory card activity. There are so many reasons to play memory games in OT! Areas like executive functioning skills, to working memory, attention, focus, to fine motor skills, visual motor skills, visual perceptual skills, and even handwriting can be improved through the use of memory card games. If they are unsuccessful in making a match they flip the cards back over and play is passed to the next player.Memory Card Games in Occupational Therapy If the first card turned over was not a match for one previously turned over the player selects another card in an attempt of making a pair. If they are successful at making a match they place the cards in their stack and choose another card. If it is a match for one of the cards the previous player turned over then they try to remember where that matching card was and turn it.

The next player chooses their first card and turns it over. If the cards are not a match they are turned back over and it is now the next players turn. The player is awarded another turn for making a match and goes again. If the two cards are a matching pair for example two Jacks then they take the two cards and start a stack. The player then selects another card and turns it over. Be sure not to bother the surrounding cards. The first player chooses a card and carefully turns it over. Typically it is the youngest player that goes first. They need to be able to be flipped over without disturbing any cards around them.ĭecide who will go first. Make sure the cards are not touching each other.

Lay out the cards face down in rows forming a large rectangle on the table or floor. These may be best when playing with really young children. They are usually have a theme like fish or animals. Note: There are also special memory decks available with matching pictures. A playing surface large enough to lay out all the cards.The object of the game is to collect the most matching pairs.

Memory card games