One of the great ideas that came from those sessions was that we COULD play games with Tyler. Until then, we had given up on the usual board games (assuming he would not be able to stay with the games for that long). Our psychologist and trainer brought us a simple memory game and we saw Tyler's memory suddenly sharply focus beyond what we thought possible. Finding the matching pair in a grid of cards was simply magical for Tyler. We were amazed that he caught on right away. He also wanted to play over and over again (beating us both many times).
In addition to focus, the game memory requires impulse control (when you need to let the other person take a turn).
When we found memory games for the iPhone, I knew we hit pay dirt. So simple and even easier than cards. (It wasn't always easy for Tyler to turn the cards and put them precisely back into the grid).
He has enjoyed both of these games and even better, they are free!
1. Toy Story Memory Match
This cute app has both timed and untimed options. Levels of difficulty means a choice of 12 or 20 card lay out. Kids can earn wall papers for winning.
If your child likes Toy Story, all the better but other than using the familiar characters for the pairs, it is still the traditional memory game.
It can be played alone or with another player (remember, impulse control practice occurs when someone else takes a turn)
2. Preschool Memory Match
This app has more range as far as ease and variety. It has traditional child oriented objects for the cards and the objects are grouped in themes (music, transportation...).
It also has has a choice of 12, 20 and 30 cards in the grid and objects. The settings and graphics are very nice for a free app.
You can't go wrong with either of these apps and there's no guilt for this mom, since it is no different from playing with cards at home.
I have forwarded your site to the family apps manager, my husband. Can I ask you to maybe someday write about Angry Birds? why is it so addictive? is it helpful in anyway?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the timely comment... I'll review those Angry Birds soon....
ReplyDeleteI think our kids need to become familiar with some games, even if they don't add much educational value. Games are the fabric of social life for school children today. Even for the most reticent conversationalist, Angry Birds is an easy topic.
My son struck up a conversation and later, friendship, with an older boy who shares our subway commute. They discuss strategies while taking turns. It is a great way for kids to bind quickly, and I think this is especially true with boys. On that night, I think that all mothers of (all) sons need this book as required reading!
http://www.amazon.com/You-Just-Dont-Understand-Conversation/dp/0060959622