The Kim Game is adapted from a Boy Scout activity, but it really does enhance visual memory when played often. In a group setting, the game is played by putting 20 objects in a bag without the group members knowing what is in the bag. The objects are then exposed for a certain length of time, usually one minute. After the time period is up, the objects are put back in the bag or are covered up. The participants have to recall as many objects as possible. The one that is able to write down the greatest amount of objects wins the game. This is also a fast way to assess who has good visual memory and who does not, given the assumption that they were all paying equal amounts of attention to the game. Below is presented the Kim Game administered on an individual basis.

Materials Needed. table top, 20 house hold items (e.g., pencil, camera, notebook, spoon), and a covering.

Step by Step Instructions.

1. Put 20 items on a table with a covering over the items or in a bag. Items should be common household objects that the child can easily name (e.g., eraser, Lego block, fork, cup, wallet, bar of soap, paper clip).

2. Explain to the child the nature of the game. The child will be give 60 seconds to look at 20 items. The child is to write down what items she/he can remember after the items are removed from view.

3. Expose the items for 60 seconds (longer times can be used when just starting this exercise). Cover the items or remove them from view.

4. Have the child list out as many items as she can. Check for accuracy. Make sure all items listed were the items that were exposed.

5. Unless the child has listed all 20 items, allow a second 60 second exposure.

6. Have the child make another list on a new sheet of paper without referencing the pervious list. Make sure all the items listed were the items that were exposed.

7. Unless the child has listed all 20 items, repeat steps 5 and 6.

8. When the child has made a perfect list, the game is over. And well done! Next time, play the game soon with a new 20 items. Mastery is achieved when a child can remember 20 items and list them down after the first viewing of 60 seconds.

9. Every six months, play the game again to help the child maintain the ability over time.

Exercise: The Kim Game.

Time: Time: about 20 minutes at first, less time as ability improves.

Recommended Frequency: once a day, 5 or 6 days per week.

Pretest Assessment: participant scores 25% below the average of same age peers in an original Kim Game.

Mastery. Mastery is achieved when the participant can view 20 items in 60 seconds and list all 20 items within a short amount of time.

Recommended Refresher Frequency: once every six months.

Additional Comments: This game can be played with words, symbols and figures. It could be interesting to see if your child is weaker or stronger remembering words, symbols, figures or 3-D objects.

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