A child’s memory develops even before birth. In the following years, parents can stimulate memory development by, among other things, playing games. How to train a child’s memory?
A child’s memory develops very dynamically. At the beginning it is involuntary and absorptive as a sponge. Therefore, some children at the age of 2-3 years can recite rhymes from memory. In the preschool and school period, children easily remember vocabulary, facts and events. However, involuntary memory still prevails. It is not until the school age that the ability to sort out information and learn portions of material by heart appears (free memory).
Memory training in the youngest children (up to about 2 years of age) consists mainly in playing together, reading books, saying rhymes and singing songs. It is then best to engage all of the child’s senses at once.
For children at preschool age, the best way to practice memory is to talk and ask questions. Ask your child to talk about a book or about what happened in kindergarten, for example. This way memory traces are consolidated. Building a network of associations is very helpful with older children. Children of all ages can train their memory by playing.
1. Disappearing objects
Only a few objects are needed for this game. Arrange them on the carpet and let your child stare at them for 2-3 minutes. Then cover the objects and check how many objects your child has memorized.
2. Memory
The memory game is a great way to practice memory. The winner is whoever reveals and remembers more pairs.
3. Memorizing a sequence of actions
The child has to repeat the movements made by the parent.
4. Exercising auditory sequential memory
A familiar game that begins with the words: “Aloysius the cat has…”. The child should repeat the sentence and add something of his own.
5. Cups
Prepare three cups, and hide a small toy under one. The child’s task is to guess under which cup the toy is.
6. Songs and rhymes
Songs and rhymes are a great way to stimulate memory. It is best if the songs are with showing.
7. Jigsaw puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles are a great workout for little ones. It’s a good idea to start with simple patterns.
8. Find the difference
You can find games in stores that involve finding differences in pictures. This is a great way to exercise photographic memory.
When exercising a child’s memory, it is important to remember about proper motivation. Exercises must be something attractive for the child. Short but frequent exercises will certainly improve the child’s memory. It is also worth taking care of proper rest and a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.
Main Photo: Kamaji Ogino/pexels.com
