While we place emphasis on keeping our mind active and fired up, not all brainy activities must be carried out within the vicinity of the classroom or computer programme. More often than not, we can train our minds on the go. 

Brain training does not necessarily has to be done in a classroom setting, nor does it require specific tools. What it does need, is focus on a specific skill set!

Every day items and toys can be employed to make brain training an excitable activity.

For example, some simple toys or tools that we can employ are a deck of cards and a tennis ball. Cards games can not only train you on memory but also on sequencing.

Every-Day Poker Cards

Card Calling

Shuffle the cards and hold up the card, have the child call out the number and suit as fast they can and record the number of mistakes as well as the time taken. By recording the time and mistakes, you can accurately see the improvement in speed and accuracy.

Card Sequence

Flash a card and have the child project two to three card up or down. Otherwise a dice can be used to randomized the projection number.

For Example:

If the card flashed is the 8 of Spades, a ‘2’ projection can be 6 of Spades / 10 of Spades.

Dual Actions

Throw a tennis ball rhythmically back and forth from one hand to another while spelling a word out alphabetically one by one.

Which Part of Brain Training?: Improves hand eye coordination while practising rhythm

Repetition (Paper Required)

Have a series of simple diagrams on paper such as circle, square, squiggly lines.  Have a child repeat the drawing as accurately and quickly as they can for a minute and proceed to increase the time span. This activity helps to

Which Part of Brain Training?: Improve attention and concentration as well as work on fine motor skills. 

On the Go, Plate & Make

When on the road, it is to common to look out the window at other passing vehicles. For this activity, the child can look out for the model, and color of vehicle of passing vehicles and indicate it. To increase the difficulty, the child can also write down the license plate number. Recommended for at least 2 players in this game for cross-referencing of answers!

Which Part of Brain Training?: Improve attention, concentration as well as memory. 

Digital & Analogue

This activity trains children to visualize images and put them on paper.

For example, the time now is 3.52pm.

• Get the child to draw an analogue clock with the minute and hour hands indicating the given time.
• Get the child to repeat this but drawing how the digits would appear on an analogue clock in 12 hour format.
• Lastly, get the child to repeat the digital clock in 24 hour format.