Sometimes the simple things are the most effective.
When a pupil is struggling to learn, we have loads of intervention programmes, some cost hundreds, some require yearly updates, some on computers, some on paper and then there are the really old and simple ones, the ones I always seem to come back to purely because they work.

One of my all time favourites is the simple memory game. These fun activities are absolutely brilliant for improving working memory, often resulting in making a significant difference to a pupil’s ability to focus and retain information during lessons. The results of this can lead to greater independence when completing tasks, both in school and outside. Result!

This is one of our favourites. A simple set of cards with different pictures on can be used in so many ways. These can be purchased in sets or pupils can make their own cards based on their interests. We play a variety of games including simply lining the cards up in rows and memorising the order, sometimes working in pairs or small groups to add a communication element to the session. We also use the cards to find matching colours, sometimes I will remove a card and the pupils identify what is missing and so on. The games are simple but they work.