Early Atlas

Activity

What's Missing Memory Tray

Children study a small tray of objects, then identify which one has been removed, exercising working memory in a playful guessing game.

Ages 30–54 months

Inspired by HighScope Play-based learning working-memory executive-function recall game

Supports this milestone

  • holds information in mind and manipulates it to perform tasks. — Head Start ELOF

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Materials

  • A tray
  • Four to six familiar objects, such as a toy car, a spoon, a block, and a ball
  • A cloth to cover the tray

Steps

  • Name each object on the tray together and look at them carefully.
  • Cover the tray with the cloth and quietly remove one object.
  • Uncover the tray and ask, "What's missing?"
  • Invite children to recall and name the object that was taken away.
  • Reveal the hidden object and play again, adding more items over time.

Variations

  • Rearrange the remaining objects instead of removing one and ask what changed.
  • Let a child be the one who hides an object for the group.

Differentiation

  • For younger children, start with just two or three objects.
  • For older children, use up to six objects or remove two at once.

Accessibility

  • Name and let children touch each object before covering the tray.
  • Pair object names with picture cards as an extra memory anchor.

Safety

  • Use objects large enough to be safe for the youngest child present.

Practices these skills

Evidence

Early Atlas