Whether your child is about to start school, or going to visit a large extended family, try these simple memory games to familiarize your child with the new faces her or she will encounter. Use index cards and write the name of each boy using the same color marker on an index card. Then use a different color and write the name of each girl on the remaining cards. Turn the cards name side down and have your child flip each card over, say the name and flip over face down again. Call out names and have your child try to find that name. You can also make 2 cards with each name and like a memory card game, have them find the matching card. You can vary the game by having your child find all the girl names, or all the boy names. If you are able to include a photo of the person, attach the picture to the opposite side of the card and have them remember whom the person is before flipping to reveal the name. Or for younger children, use all those stuffed animals and make circle time at home by placing the name of each friend or family member in front of each plush. Then have your child meet and greet each bear, elephant or kitty cat by name.

 

It’s a great way to familiarize your child with new classmates or family members they don’t often see.