Valentine's Day: Heart Numbers Memory Game | EYFS Printables

Early Years (EYFS) Valentine’s Day Activity:Heart Numbers Memory Game

Spark numerical fun and boost cognitive skills this Valentine's Day with our delightful Valentine's Day: Heart Numbers Memory Game! This engaging printable is perfect for EYFS children, offering an interactive way to develop number recognition, memory, turn-taking, and colour matching.

Ideal for Preschool, Nursery, School, or for Parents and Childminders at home, this game combines festive heart-themed visuals with targeted mathematical and cognitive challenges.

This versatile game includes two differentiated versions to suit varying abilities:

• Version 1: Numbers 1-5: Focuses on early number recognition and counting, perfect for younger learners.

• Version 2: Even Numbers 2, 4, 6, 8, 10: Introduces a slightly higher challenge, ideal for children ready to explore number patterns or consolidate their understanding of numbers to 10.

Each child has their own board of a particular colour (e.g., a red board, a blue board), adding a unique element to the memory game. Children take turns turning over the number cards, trying to find the correct numbers in the correct colour to win the game.

The number cards included within the game are thoughtfully designed with a patterned tab-style back. This tab can be folded over before lamination, which serves two key purposes:

1. Sturdier Product: It significantly strengthens the finished card, making it more durable for repeated play.

2. No See-Through: It ensures that when the card is face down, you are unable to see what the number is, preserving the integrity of the memory challenge.

(Note: Please use your own discretion and knowledge of your children to ensure appropriateness of each activity suggested on this page and safety concerning any materials given and activity undertaken.)

• 💡 How to use this resource in your classroom/setting

  Our Valentine's Day: Heart Numbers Memory Game is incredibly versatile and can be used in a multitude of ways across various early years environments:

  • Small Group Activity: This game is ideal for small group play, encouraging interaction, communication, and social skills as children take turns.

  • Differentiated Learning: Choose the appropriate version (1-5 or 2, 4, 6, 8, 10) based on the children's current number recognition and counting abilities. You can even mix and match sets if desired.

  • Memory & Concentration: The core memory game element helps children to focus, remember card positions, and develop their working memory.

  • Colour & Number Matching: Children must not only remember the number but also the colour, adding an extra layer of challenge and reinforcing colour recognition.

  • Turn-Taking & Social Skills: The game naturally promotes turn-taking, patience, and learning to win and lose gracefully.

  • Fine Motor Development: Picking up, flipping, and placing the cards helps to strengthen small hand muscles and enhance hand-eye coordination.

  • Home Learning: A fantastic resource for parents and childminders to play with children at home, making maths practice fun and interactive.

• 🎯 Learning objectives covered - 🐣 EYFS Framework

  This engaging activity supports key developmental areas within the EYFS framework:

  • Mathematics (Number):

    • Number Recognition: Children recognise and identify numerals (1-5 or 2, 4, 6, 8, 10).

    • Counting (indirectly): Reinforces the understanding of number values.

    • Problem Solving: Children use strategies to find matching pairs and remember locations.

  • Physical Development (Fine Motor Skills): Manipulating the cards helps to strengthen hand muscles and develop dexterity.

  • Communication and Language (Listening, Attention & Understanding; Speaking): Children listen to instructions, maintain attention, articulate their turns, and discuss numbers and colours.

  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development (Self-Regulation; Building Relationships): Playing a turn-taking game fosters self-control, patience, sharing, and interaction with peers.

  • Cognition and Learning: Developing memory, attention, and logical thinking.

Download our Valentine's Day: Heart Numbers Memory Game today and help your EYFS learners connect with numbers and each other through delightful play!

⬅️ VALENTINE’S DAY Topic Page

⬅️ EMOTIONS & FEELINGS Topic Page

⬅️ KINDNESS & FRIENDSHIP Topic Page

⬅️ FESTIVALS & CELEBRATIONS Menu Page

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