Colours recall game: Working memory programme

The colours recall game is part of the working memory programme designed to help deaf children develop their working memory skills.

This game should be introduced only when a child has reached a level in the words recall game that is too challenging. The colours game offers a change of context and allows the child to keep practicing rehearsal strategies in a different format.

Getting started

• Open the Colours Recall Game (Levels 1 to 7) in slideshow mode so you can click through each screen.
  • Document

    Colours Recall Game Levels 1-7.pdf (2.63 MB)
• Have the record sheet ready to complete for each child during the session.
  • Document

    Colours Recall Game - record sheet.pdf (85.82 KB)

Structure and how to play

Warm up

• Before introducing the game, the first slide shows the child a strip of 6 colours.
• Go through the colours in order with the child and ask them to remember the sequence.
• To help with memory, the child can pair each colour with a finger.
• After going through the list 4 or 5 times, show the blank strip and ask the child to recall what colour goes in each spot. Repeat this 4 or 5 times.
• Don't worry about scoring or performance here, this is just practice.

The game

• At level 1, the child will begin by recalling 2 colours from the strip in order (forward recall).
• At level 2, the child will be asked to recall 2 colours in reverse order (backward recall).
• At level 3, the child will be asked to recall 3 colours in order (forward recall).
• At level 4, the child will be asked to recall 3 colours in reverse order (backward recall).
• The activity continues like this up to level 7.

To pass a level, the child needs to answer 4 questions correctly in one game session.

Teaching the rehearsal strategy

Teach the child to use a visual-spatial rehearsal strategy:

• They should point to the screen where each colour appears and say or sign the colour out loud.
• Encourage them to focus on where each colour is positioned – location helps with memory.
• For forward recall, they should point and say or sign the colours in order.
• For backward recall, remind them to reverse the order.
• As an initial aid, you can point to the position of the last colour and then the first colour to help them use position as a recall cue.

Teacher feedback

• Be encouraging! If they struggle, ask them what strategy they could use.
• There are no “Well done” slides, so make sure to give positive feedback yourself.
• If they mix up the colour order, help them think about using fingers, spacial memory, or repeating the colours in order.

Progress and tracking

• Use the record sheet to keep track of each child’s progress.
• Always start the next session at the level they last attempted.
• Once they get 4 trials correct, they move up. If not, repeat the level.
• You’ll know they’re ready to move on when they quickly reach 4 correct trials.

Alternative games

If a child repeats a level several times, they may need a new challenge.

You can use alternative versions for levels 1 to 7, which include new colour strips and to keep things fresh and engaging.

• Document

  Colours Recall Game Alternative Levels 1-7.pdf (3.59 MB)
• Document

  Colours Recall Game Alternative Levels 1-7 - record sheet.pdf (86.54 KB)