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Recreation using a whiteboard is a staple in care settings.
It’s easy to do anytime, anywhere, costs almost nothing, and the appeal is that a wide variety of games can be enjoyed by both small and large groups.
In this article, I’d like to introduce memory games that use a whiteboard.
There are plenty of games that test memory—such as how many words you can recall or what can be inferred from a hint.
They’re perfect for brain training too, so be sure to give them a try.
- Fun Brain Training! Memory Games for Seniors
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- [For Seniors] Play Long and Have Fun! A Whiteboard Activity with Brain-Training Elements
- [For Seniors] Fun Brain Training! Lively Whiteboard Activities
- [For Seniors] Brain Training! Recall Quiz Collection!
- Recommended for brain training: a proverb quiz using a whiteboard
- [Brain Training] Lively Word Quiz for Seniors
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- [For Seniors] Lively Wordplay Game: Fun Recreation for Elderly Care
- [For Seniors] Brain Training Recommended for Dementia Prevention
- [For Seniors] Great for Brain Training! Question Card Ideas
[For Seniors] Test Your Memory!? Whiteboard Game Ideas (1–10)
Stroke Count Guessing Game
It’s a “stroke count guessing game” where only a part of a kanji is featured and you guess which numbered stroke it is.
It’s a difficult game if you haven’t firmly memorized the kanji stroke order.
When the character has many strokes or it’s a stroke near the end of the order, the difficulty increases.
I think it’s also a great activity for brain training.
So, have you all memorized the proper stroke orders? Try checking while having fun!
Word Search: Fruits Edition
Amid the letters scattered across a 6-by-6 grid, there are hidden names of fruits.
The names can be arranged in three ways—vertically, horizontally, and diagonally—and some words must be read from right to left or bottom to top, so read carefully to find the correct combinations.
Each puzzle has a time limit, which can make you feel rushed, but it’s important to stay calm.
The difficulty is a bit high, but you can try as many times as you need until you find them.
In addition to concentration, this also develops thinking skills and word retrieval, and may help prevent cognitive decline.
Fuzzy Memory Quiz
This is a quiz where you’re asked to identify the exact shapes or sequences of things you casually see in everyday life.
The choice of questions—like traffic light colors or corporate logos—is an important point, and the more something blends into daily life, the harder it is to recall accurately.
If you sketch what vaguely comes to mind on a whiteboard, it can help organize your memory and bring you closer to the answer.
By retracing your own memories and clearly imagining the shapes, let’s work on stimulating your brain.
Kanji addition
How about a kanji addition game that everyone present—not just seniors—can enjoy as long as you have a whiteboard? For example, adding “十” and “八” makes “木,” and adding “一” and “小” makes “山.” The answers don’t come to mind right away, so it’s a good brain workout.
People can raise their hands to answer if they think of one, or form groups and work together.
There are many kanji formed by combining characters like these, so even finding new problems can be fun!
Letter Display Game
Let’s try a “letter-picking game” using hiragana magnets and a whiteboard! In this game, you pick one magnet with a letter from the a-ka-sa-ta-na rows, decide a theme based on the letter that comes up, and give an answer.
For example, for place names or countries that start with “a,” answers could be Akita Prefecture or America.
You can prepare a variety of themes in advance, or let older adults choose the themes—it should be fun either way.
Since it can be played while seated and is effective as brain training, it’s perfect for recreational activities in senior care facilities.
Simple Darts
Simple Darts is a fun game idea you can make using a small whiteboard and magnets.
Draw a large circle on the whiteboard with a smaller circle in the center.
Divide the large circle into eight sections and assign points to each one.
The center circle should be the highest score: 100 points.
Wrap the magnets in any fabric you like.
The rules are simple: throw the magnets at the whiteboard and compete based on the score where they stick.
It’s sure to be exciting as either an individual or team game.
You can easily prepare it since whiteboards and magnets are available at 100-yen shops.
Color Game
How about a color game as a whiteboard activity? For this game, prepare papers with color words written on them.
The key is to make the kanji different from the actual color of the text.
Instead of reading the words on the papers attached to the whiteboard, ask the participating seniors to say the color of the letters.
It may seem easy, but it actually trips people up and often leads to lots of laughs.
Because you see with your eyes and think with your head, it’s effective for reflexes and brain training.
Start by letting them answer slowly and thoughtfully, then gradually pick up the pace.