Numbers Memory Game

Numbers Memory Game

Yup, at first blush it looks like just one more memory game. Turn all the cards face down, choose two and try to find a match. But this one is unique, in my mind, because of the large number on each card. I have had a hand in teaching a few kids touch math, and this game seems like a fun way to help reinforce and practice without actually working on math problems. 

There are 10 pairs in the box (20 cards total), numbered 1-10. The cards are a nice, thick, coated material and should last a long time. Because of the thickness, they are easier to grasp and turn for kids who have trouble with flat cards. The cards are large, thus giving you the space you need to do the touching. Each card will have one number and then that many items are pictured, a second chance to count if you want. All the pictures are nature (flowers, squirrels, birds, etc.) except for number 9. The number 9 card features buttons. Go figure. And the number 8 card features ginkgo leaves. You don't see those every day.

 

Object:

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

Set up:

Turn the cards face-down and mix them up. There is a colorful design on the back of the cards, but nothing to indicate whether the cards are right-side-up or not. Line them up, in a 5 x 4 grid would be nice, but it is up to you. Gather players around the cards.

Play:

In turn, each player will turn over two cards. If they match, it is a set and the player takes the cards. If it is not a match, the player turns the cards back over in the exact same places.

Try this:

• Turn each card in its place without pulling to the edge for help.
• Turn the card in-hand if it is not in the upright orientation when you pick it up.
• Do the touch math on each number as you count out loud. Then touch and count each item next to the number. If this gets tedious, touch the number only on the cards for sets you win. In that case, cheat and make sure that the individual matches most of the sets. Note where the big numbers are and leave those sets for the individual to match, as they can be more difficult to touch count. And is it really called cheating when you play to lose, or when you do it for therapeutic purposes? Nah.
• Turn one of each set face up on the table. Give the player one card at a time and ask him to find the match. Remove both cards if you want the game to get easier as you go (less cards to look over).
• Add the two numbers using Touch Math each time you turn over two cards.
• Work on visual discrimination, visual memory, counting, spatial relations, recognizing numbers 0-9, manual dexterity, in-hand manipulation, executive functioning skills, process skills, play and leisure exploration and participation

In the box: 20 cards (10 pairs)

Bizzare Builder Monster Parts

A monster-building kit with a pattern sheet.

A construction-type set for making monsters. Pieces are colorful and made of a hard rubbery plastic, with a little bit of flexibility to the small pieces. There are instructions for six different monster animals on a small sheet. Pieces per monster range from three to 12.

Pieces either push into holes on the body or you put a small peg (gray pieces in image above) between the hole in the body and piece with a hole. This set comes in six different themes: dinosaurs, robots, insects, wacky creatures, plants and monster parts (this one). I have read that the pieces are interchangeable between sets.

Try this:

• Practice naming body parts as the individual works by cueing "Let's add the legs next. Now add the arms (antenna, wings, tail, etc)."
• Cue the individual by part color if he has trouble following the guide.
• Jumble the pieces, as in the image above, and ask the individual to look through them to find what he needs. 
• Sort out only the pieces that the individual will need for his model. Hand them to him one at a time and let him look at the guide to see where to add them.
• Hand the individual the pieces in the wrong orientation so that he will have to turn them, in-hand, to place correctly.
• Ask the individual to hold the body in one hand while adding the pieces with the other, instead of leaving it sitting on the tabletop.
• Let the individual make up his own monster and then describe it to you by body parts and/or color.  
• Work on visual discrimination, visual closure, visual form constancy, manual dexterity, coordinated use of both hands, fine motor control, in-hand manipulation, executive functioning skills, process skills, play and leisure exploration and participation