The circles memory game.

Circles memory game.
Subject	Mainly vocabulary. This game is particularly suited to vocabulary that comes in pairs but it can work with some structures too. Generally, this is a really flexible game and you are only limited by your own imagination.
Richard’s comments.	If you really want a challenge… It is a good challenge for classes needing a little extra to keep them interested.
Group size:	Suitable for classes of 1-10.
Team teaching game?	Can be played with one teacher.

Points. Prompt cards.	Wheel A+1 Wheel B+1 No change. Wheel B-1 Wheel A-1 No change.
‘Options’ dice. The options dice is a dice with the ‘wheel turning’ directions on it. Here is one example but you could change the values to adjust the difficulty.

Game set up.

Go through the vocabulary and structures before leaving the desks to keep the concentration. Sitting on the floor with a new game can distract some of the students. Sit the students, in teams, in a semi-circle. Go through the vocabulary as you place the cards face down onto the two circles. It is necessary for the students to see where the vocabulary goes down to get them into the game quickly. You could shuffle the vocabulary but it will take longer to play a game. Give the students a few seconds to remember them. (Give them 10-15 seconds) Turn the cards face down. Shuffle the prompt cards and begin…

Playing rules.

Play in teams or individually. Show a prompt card to identify the pair to be found. First player starts with a card on the left-hand wheel. If the card is incorrect, identify the vocabulary and replace the card.  If the card is correct the team gets a point. Identify the vocabulary and now find the matching card on the right-hand wheel. If that guess is correct the team gets a point plus a bonus and maintains possession. The pair cards found remain face up.  Throw the ‘options’ dice. Turn the circles accordingly.  Show the next prompt card and continue until a mistake is made. When a mistake is made turn all the cards face down once more, shuffle the prompt cards and start again. (Do not shuffle the focus cards.) Continue until all the cards are identified or until the time period allowed is completed.  At the end of the round and with time allowing, you can add new vocabulary or just shuffle the cards and repeat the process.

Variations.

As described, do not show the cards initially when setting them out. That will make the game harder initially. Change the instructions on the ‘options’ dice’.