I Never Forget A Face

 

I Never Forget A Face Memory Game

Match the smiling faces of children from around the world with this multi-cultural matching game. The 2 1/4 inch square pieces are 1/8 inch thick, and therefore are easier to flip than flat cards. This can be an advantage for those working on hand skills so they won't have to bring the pieces to the edge of the table to turn. Almost all of the kids are smiling in I Never Forget a Face, so this is not a game that could be used when teaching kids to recognize different facial expressions. The cards are made from recycled, laminated board and printed with soy-based ink. The countries of origins are printed on the back of the box.

To read more about why memory games are so popular, read my post Memory Games. Why are They so Popular? This post also has links to the other memory games I have blogged about. 

Object:

Have the most cards when all the sets have been claimed.

Set up:

Turn the cards face-down and mix them up. Line them up in a grid formation. Gather players around the cards.

Play:

Players take turns. Turn over two cards. If they match, it is a set and you take the cards. If it is not a match, turns the cards back over in the exact same places so everyone can remember where they are and your turn is over. Some people play that if you make a match you can keep playing until you miss.

Try this:

• Choose a single card, talk about several specific features on the child pictured (colors, accessories, clothing, etc.), then turn the card over and see how many details they can remember.
• Line up one card from each set on the table. Give clues to a certain picture and let the individual locate that card. For instance - I am looking at a person with brown hair who is wearing a yellow shirt and a white hat. 
• Mix all the cards face-up in the middle of the table. Working at the same time, have 2 individuals pick up matching sets as fast as possible. See who can get the most. Or time the individual to see how long one person can find them all. The do it again and try to beat the time.
• Turn all the cards picture side up to make it a simpler version of matching without the memory component.
• Start with fewer sets for beginners. Add in a few new sets at a time until you work your way up to a game using all the cards.
• Turn six different cards face up on the table. Turn the rest of the cards face down. Take turns turning over one card. If you made a match to one of the cards turned face up, take it and place the set next to you. Try to remember which cards have been turned up and are not matches to avoid turning them over again. When the last match is made, the person with the most pairs wins.
• Turn one card from each set face up on the table. Ask questions such as 1) how many pictures have green in them, 2) how many kids have red hair, 3) how many kids are wearing glasses. Or instead of counting, ask the individual to point to these cards.
• Separate out one card from each set and lay them face-up on the table in a grid. Stack the remaining cards and, one at a time, scan the face-up cards to find its match on the grid you created on the table. Starting with the top row, move your eyes from left to right, as you would if you were reading.
• Ask the individual to flip cards in place, not pull them to the side of the table to pick up.
• Empty the cards on the table. Ask the individual to place all the cards face-down in preparation for play. Pick each card up and, if necessary, turn it in-hand to orient it for placement instead of turning to orient it on the tabletop.
• Put the cards away at the end by picking up one card and stacking it on top of another, pick up both cards and stack them on top of another, pick up all three cards and stack them on top of another, etc. How many cards can the individual stack and hold without dropping? Put them in the box by the handfuls.
• Create the grid for play by picking up a stack of cards in the non-dominant hand and, one at a time, push the top card off with the thumb. Grab the card with the dominant hand and place it on the table.
• Play alone to improve memory and concentration. Count how many turns it takes you to complete the game. Play again and try to beat that score.
• Work on visual memory, visual discrimination, figure ground, spatial relations, visual scanning, manual dexterity, in-hand manipulation, coordinated use of both hands, executive functioning skills, process skills, socialization skills, play and leisure exploration and participation

In the box: 24 matching sets (48 cards)

If you are interested in purchasing this game or just want more information, click on the image below.