How to Make Maths Memory Game for Kids #NewThings

We love playing games, especially educational games. Little man has started Year 1 this week, and I thought it would be a good idea to make a game that was fun to be played, and could help with his numeracy skills at the same time.

We made a Maths Memory Game out of a cereal box, scissors and coloured markers. It is very easy to make, and you can adapt it according to your child’s level and age. As it’s our first maths game, and little man is only 5 years old, our game had simple maths problems.

As you are aware, we are #NewThings ambassadors, and we have been challenged to try and experience new things together as a family. The best memories are created when you try something new, such as visiting somewhere new, playing a new game, trying a new meal. Last week, we visited Legoland for the first time, and this week we played a new maths memory game.

In order to make the cards, we used an empty box of a delicious Nestle cereal that we have been enjoying lately, the green banner across the top of the box indicates that it contains wholegrain.

Our favourite is Curiously Cinnamon, and somehow the little cinnamon swirls fortified with vitamins and minerals mysteriously disappeared. Maybe it’s because we eat it with milk for breakfast, and also dry as a snack – yummy!

How to Make Maths Memory Game:

You will need:

• Empty cereal box
• Scissors
• Coloured markers

Instructions:

Open up the cereal box. Use the scissors the cut along the lines in the corner of the box. You should then have 3 pieces of cardboard.

Use the small cardboard (from the side of the box) to measure strips on the box. Draw lines using the small cardboard as a model, then cut with the scissors on the lines. You should have 9 long strips in total.

Choose big you would like to big, make one as a model, then using the marker to draw lines across the strips. Use the scissors to cut the cards.

Draw your chosen maths questions, we picked simple ones such as: 2+2 on one card, 4 on another, 4+2, 6, 2+3, 5, and so on.

Once the cards are ready, play the maths memory game as you would a standard memory game, by choosing 2 cards at the time and trying to match them. Keep playing until all the matches have been found. The player with the most pairs at the end, wins the game.

Little man really enjoyed playing the game, he was practising adding numbers and his memory skills at the same time. We had a lovely time, and can’t wait to try more new things together. If you are looking for new things, CSMA has some lovely suggestions on cheap things to do with kids.

What are your favourite games? I would love to find out about your #NewThings and what you have been up to lately.