Memory and Recall Skills
The ability to retain and recall information which is crucial for learning.
Here’s a set of practical activities to support the development of memory and recall for home educated children. These activities are playful, engaging, and designed to strengthen short-term and long-term memory through repetition, association, and creative thinking.
🧠 Why Memory & Recall Matter
Memory and recall skills help children:
Retain and retrieve information
Build connections between ideas
Improve academic performance
Develop confidence in learning
🎲 Game-Based Memory Activities
1. Memory Matching Games
Use cards with pictures, words, or numbers.
Flip and match pairs from memory.
Boosts visual memory and concentration.
2. Kim’s Game
Place 10–15 objects on a tray.
Let children observe for 30 seconds, then cover the tray.
Ask them to recall as many items as possible.
3. “I Went to the Market…” Game
Each player adds an item to a growing list and repeats all previous items.
Builds auditory memory and sequencing.
4. Simon Says with Sequences
Add multiple steps: “Simon says touch your nose, jump twice, and spin.”
Encourages memory of multi-step instructions.
📚 Literacy & Language Activities
5. Story Retelling
Read a short story and ask children to retell it in their own words.
Use props or drawings to support recall.
6. Memory Poetry
Learn short poems or rhymes and recite them together.
Use actions or rhythm to aid memorization.
7. Word Association Chains
Start with a word (e.g., “apple”) and ask children to say a related word.
Continue the chain and then recall the full list.
🎨 Creative Memory Boosters
8. Draw What You Remember
After a walk, story, or video, ask children to draw what they remember.
Combines visual recall with creative expression.
9. Memory Collage
Create a collage of things learned during the week.
Use pictures, drawings, or magazine cutouts.
10. Mind Map Recall
After a topic or lesson, create a mind map of key ideas.
Helps organize and visualize memory connections.
🧪 Sensory & Movement Activities
11. Memory Movement Game
Assign movements to words or numbers (e.g., jump for “1,” spin for “2”).
Call out sequences for children to perform and remember.
12. Sensory Tray Recall
Fill a tray with textured items (e.g., feathers, stones, fabric).
Let children feel and then recall items by touch alone.
🧺 Everyday Memory Builders
13. Daily Recap Routine
At the end of each day, ask:“What did you learn today?”
“What was your favorite moment?”
Builds reflective memory and personal connection.
14. Shopping List Challenge
Create a pretend shopping list.
Ask children to remember and “shop” for items around the house.
15. Cooking Recall
Cook a simple recipe together.
Later, ask children to recall the steps and ingredients.