Father’s Day Memory Game for Preschoolers
Affiliate Disclosure: “This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase using those links.”
I can’t believe the school year is over, and summer is letting itself known with a lot of heat here in Florida. It is time to take things a little slower but, in centers like mine where we never close or for homeschool moms that want to keep their children engaged in a constant learning process, this FREE Father’s Day Memory Game can be used for this purpose, since this holiday is around the corner already.
This particular memory game is a little more difficult than my previous ones, but it is excellent for older preschoolers since it will encourage them to put attention to details to recognize the pairs of cards, but you can always simply it using fewer cards with children that are less advanced developmentally. This type of game will also help them improve their visual discrimination, strengthen their concentration, and focus, and improve the children’s memory.
This Father’s Day Memory Game will also bring a lot of fun to your classroom or homeschool, and friendly competition among your preschoolers. It includes two pages with nine cards each, and you can get it at the end of this post, so be sure to grab it.
If your preschoolers have been exposed to other memory games, they are probably going to be able to work independently. However, new students or children who are not familiar with these types of games will need your guidance.
How to Prepare the Father’s Day Memory Game
Since the children will manipulate the cards over and over, they must be durable and strong. That way they will last a long time as well. You will need these materials:
- FREE Father’s Day Memory Game cards are found at the end of this post.
- printer
- White cardstock
- Scissors
- Laminator
- Laminator pouches
Begin by printing two sets of each page using white cardstock. Then cut out and laminate each of the tiles to protect them and make them last longer. Once you get them ready, you might want to place them in a small basket, a pencil case, or in a Ziploc bag, so they can stay together and you don’t lose any of the cards.
How to Play the Father’s Day Memory Game
To start, lay out the cards face down in rows and columns so your preschoolers can only see the backside, and invite them to join you for a matching game!
Keep it super simple and start by playing like any traditional memory game, where children take turns selecting two cards to turn over trying to make a match. If a match is made then the preschooler gets to keep the set of cards. If not, then the cards have to be turned back over and the next preschooler takes the turn.
Extension Activities for the Game
These cards can be used for other learning activities as well. Some of the uses and activities you can do are:
Language Development: select one of the cards during circle time and invite your preschoolers to create a story using the picture, while you take dictation to make a class book. You can also ask the children to select a card that represents an activity that they do or have done with their fathers and tell the class about that experience.
Artwork: invite each preschooler to select a card and use it as an inspiration to draw or paint a picture.
The “The Missing Card” Game: this game is better as a small group activity. Take 3 to 5 cards and place them on a table. Ask your preschoolers to name the pictures on each card, then have your children close their eyes while you remove one card. Then ask your preschoolers to open their eyes and tell you which card is missing.
Father’s Day Books
Don’t forget to switch your library and book baskets a little by adding Father’s Day books. Remember how important it is to read to your children every day, and having these books accessible to your preschoolers, will also encourage them to look at them, talk about the pictures, and try to identify some of the words.
Below are some of my favorites. You can find them at your local library, used book store, and on Amazon. By clicking on the titles my affiliate links will take you directly to the right page on Amazon, if you want to purchase some.
- I Love You, Daddy by Jillian Harker and beautifully illustrated by Kristina Stephenson. Little Bear is ready for some grown-up adventures – at least, Daddy Bear thinks so. But they soon discover that Little Bear needs a helping hand.
- Following Papa’s Song by Gianna Marino a heartwarming story filled with the wonders of the ocean and the comfort of a father’s presence, to be read again and again.
- Just Me and My Dad by Mercer Mayer tells the story of Little Critter and his dad going on a camping trip, where they enjoy canoeing, fishing, or building a campfire. A perfect read for Father’s Day . . . or any day!
- Because I’m Your Dad by Ahmet Zappa uses a text that’s both playful and loving to express a father’s hopes and dreams for a one-of-a-kind relationship with his child. Whimsical monster characters bring the silly and sweet scenes to life and keep the book universal.
- Daddy Is My Hero by Dawn Richards is a fitting tribute to every child’s first real-life Superman…their dad. From capturing and locking up outlaws to battling greedy dragons, and putting monsters to sleep with a wizard’s spell, there’s no end to the amazing feats of strength and ingenuity that his father can do! With clever rhyming text and adorably detailed illustrations,
- A Perfect Father’s Day by Ever Bunting is a cute book that talks about a little girl called Susie taking her dad to a restaurant, for a special day filled with treats for both of them! When they get back home, Mom’s final surprise is a perfect ending for the perfect day.
- When Dads Don’t Grow Up by Marjorie Blain Parker is a playful story about four father-child pairs as they spend happy, silly times together, popping bubble wrap watching cartoons, and taking part in shopping cart races.
- My Dad Thinks He’s Funny by Katrina Germein talks about a dad who is trying to be goofy to make his son laugh. A perfect book to share this book with someone who doesn’t need sugar because, well, they’re sweet enough already.
- Daddy Hugs by Karen Katz tells a sweet story about how Baby and Daddy can cuddle and can count along with this hug-and-read book, which is perfect for Baby’s teeny, tiny hands.
Pin It For Later
If you are in a rush and don’t have time to read the post and download the printable but want to save it for later, pin this to your Math or Father’s Day board on Pinterest to have it ready when you need it.
Don’t forget to grab your free Father’s Day Memory Game printable! Then check out the rest of my Father’s Day activities below and get them too. They all come with free printables that you can use to expand your collection and help your preschoolers have fun while learning.
I hope you enjoy this activity and help you have a fun Father’s Day with your preschoolers.
Be happy, safe, and creative. I wish you well.
Love,
P.S. If you would like to see an article about how to make something specific, please let me know, and I will try my best to write it for you. My goal is to help you in any way I can, and I don’t like anything better than to post something that you might find useful.
