Memory game

Shapes Memory Game

Shape Memory Game

Find five pairs of colorful shapes and name them in a memory game for 3-year-olds.

  • Age 3
  • 10 min
  • Easy
  • Small group
  • Memory game

About this activity

In this game, children turn over cards to find matching circles, squares, triangles, stars, and hearts. An adult prepares the cards and plays along.

As children play, they notice shapes, try to remember where the cards are, and hear the shapes named. Start with a few pairs and add more gradually.

Learning objectives

  • Find two cards with the same shape.
  • Point to or name shapes during play.
  • Wait for a turn with adult support.

The printable

Print
Shapes Memory Game Worksheet for Preschool, Age 3

What you need

  • Game sheet printed in color
  • Scissors for adult use
  • Opaque paper and glue if the pictures show through the backs

Safety notes

An adult should cut out the cards and keep the scissors out of the child's reach. Supervise play and put the cards away if the child puts them in their mouth.

How to do it

  1. Cut out the ten cards for your child. If needed, glue the same opaque paper to the back of each card.
  2. Show the cards and name each shape.
  3. Start with three pairs. Shuffle them and place them face down.
  4. Turn over two cards to show how to look for a pair. If they are different, turn them face down again.
  5. Invite your child to turn over two cards and keep them if the shapes match.
  6. Take turns and add the other pairs when your child is ready.
  7. At the end, look at the pairs together and name the shapes.

Teaching suggestions

  • Say, “You found two stars!” Celebrate your child's attention and effort.
  • If remembering is difficult, leave the cards face up so your child can look for pairs.
  • It's fine for your child to point to or describe a shape without naming it.
  • Look for similar shapes in everyday objects, such as a square window.
  • In a group, keep only a few cards on the table and help each child wait for a turn.

Variations

Easier

Use just two pairs and leave the cards face up.

Harder

Use all five pairs face down and invite your child to name each shape when they find a pair.

Extend the play

Choose a card and look together for a similar shape nearby.

Talk about it

  • What do you notice about this shape?
  • How did you know the two cards matched?
  • Where have you seen a shape like this?
  • Which shape would you like to look for now?

What to look for

  • Notice whether your child finds two cards with the same shape, with or without help.
  • Notice whether your child points to or names a shape when invited.
  • Observe how your child takes turns with support.

Themes