Memory Run: A Running Game with Memory Cards for Physical Education

In the Memory Run, children combine running and memorization in a relay race during physical education. On each run, the children memorize as many fields on a memory card as they can and record them on their group's memory sheet. The group that first completely and correctly fills out its memory sheet wins.

This is included in the material

• Game description with procedure, required materials, duration, variations, and a setup diagram
• Memory cards with numbers, letters, and symbols in versions with different numbers of fields
• Memory sheets as blank templates for recording, matching the memory cards

Tips for using the material

• In small groups: Each group can receive a memory sheet, while their memory card is placed on the opposite side of the playing area. After the starting signal from the game leader, one child runs at a time; the next may start as soon as they are back behind the starting line.
• Playing individually: Instead of playing in groups, all the children can also play individually; then the child who first correctly fills out all the fields wins.
• With an obstacle course: On the way to the memory card, the children can also complete a slalom or obstacle course.
• Everyone at the same time: In another variation, all team members of a small group can run at the same time.

These skills are promoted

• Memory by memorizing as many fields on the memory card as possible
• Accurate transcription of the memorized numbers, letters, and symbols onto the memory sheet
• Fast running in the race between the starting line and the memory card
• Cooperation, because the group can only complete its memory sheet together

Organizational notes

One round takes about 5 to 15 minutes. In addition to the cards, pens and cones are needed.

The Memory Run is also available as a Halloween edition, a Winter edition, and a Kids' Spring version; another relay race with a thinking task is Dice Bingo.