O f all the tools in a student’s arsenal, memory is one of the most crucial. Without a good memory, you won’t be able to recall the facts and figures you need to have at your fingertips when answering a question in class, or during an important exam.
Fortunately, our memory is a lot like our muscles. The more we put it to good use, the better it will be! If you’re keen on learning ways to train your brain without using expensive tools, check out these 3 games that can help improve your memory:
Matching Pairs
This memory game involves matching pairs of cards, tiles or images from a large group. For example, you can use 24 cards containing 12 matching pairs. First, jumble up the cards and arrange them on a table facing up. Try to remember their sequence, and turn all the cards so they face down. Then, turn one card over, and try to remember where its matching pair is located. If you can’t find it on the first try, turn the card down again. If you do find its matching card, remove them both from the pile. Continue to do this until you find all the matching pairs. If you time yourself, you can try to beat your own score each time you play.
Jigsaw Puzzles
When it comes to memorizing and concentration, nothing beats the good old jigsaw puzzle but try playing it with a twist—play it “blind.” This simply means you only look at the complete picture of the puzzle once, and then you don’t allow yourself to go back and refer to it again. Before you start, give yourself a couple of minutes to look at a picture of the completed puzzle, and try to commit it to memory. Then, mix up the puzzle pieces, and proceed to put it back together. Remember, you’re not supposed to look at the picture again until you’re done! Depending on the complexity of your puzzle, this can be harder than it sounds.
When it comes to memorizing and concentration, nothing beats the good old jigsaw puzzle! Click To TweetTrivia Quizzes
A great way to flex your brain, break your routine, and involve your friends is by creating a trivia quiz. The trivia can be about anything that has to do with general knowledge, and it doesn’t have to be about what you learn at school. For example it can be about movies, food, or famous personalities. Each person in the group prepares a number of questions—with answers—and then hands them over to the quiz master. The quiz master then asks questions from each person’s list in turn. Though the game seems frivolous, it actually helps to test how well you can recall information and builds your memory skills.
Trivia actually helps test how well you can recall information and builds your memory skills. Click To TweetBesides these games, you can also try word puzzles, logic games, and other brain teasers that can be found online or downloaded as apps. Just remember to keep it challenging and fun, and for best results, play these memory games often and allow yourself to get creative with the rules!
