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How To Make Your Kids Their Own Photo Memory Matching Game With Canon IVY

In a world saturated with digital devices, there is something wonderfully nostalgic about the simplicity of a memory matching game. Not only does it spark fond memories of childhood, but it also offers a rich opportunity for bonding and cognitive development. With the Canon IVY printer, transforming your family photos into a delightful customised memory matching game has never been easier. Let’s dive into how you can create a personal and engaging game that your children will cherish for years to come.

What You’ll Need

1. Canon IVY Mini Photo Printer: A portable printer that not only prints high-quality photos but also adheres easily to surfaces.
2. Smartphone or Tablet: For capturing and selecting your family photos.
3. Photo Editing App: Use an app like Canon’s own Mini Print, which allows you to edit and customise your images before printing.
4. Cardboard or Heavy Card Stock: For creating the game cards.
5. Scissors: To cut your cards into uniform sizes.
6. Glue or Double-Sided Tape: For attaching printed photos to your cards.
7. Optional – Laminating Sheets: To protect the cards and make them last longer.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Gather Your Photos

Start by collecting a variety of family photos. These could include pictures from holidays, birthday parties, or everyday moments that capture your family’s warmth and joy. The more diverse your selection, the more interesting the game will be!

Step 2: Edit Your Photos

Using your photo editing app, select pairs of images that you want to use for the memory game. Aim for a mix of fun and silly pictures along with nice family portraits. You could also consider incorporating your child’s artwork or photos of their favourite toys and pets for a personal touch.

Step 3: Print Your Photos

Load your images into the Canon IVY Mini Printer app. You can use the app’s features to crop and filter your pictures to ensure they look their best. Print two copies of each photo to create matching pairs. The IVY’s pocket-sized prints (2×3 inches) are perfect for this type of game.

Step 4: Prepare Your Game Cards

While waiting for your photos to print, take your cardboard or heavy card stock and cut it into equal squares or rectangles. The ideal size for your cards is approximately 2.5×2.5 inches. This will ensure that the printed photos fit nicely and that the cards are easy for little hands to handle.

Step 5: Attach the Photos

Once your photos are printed, it’s time to glue them onto the prepared cards. Take each photo and use glue or double-sided tape to affix it to a game card. Make sure to leave at least half of the cards blank so that the game has a challenging element.

Step 6: Optional Lamination

For extra durability, consider laminating your cards. This will protect them from spills, tears, and the wear and tear of enthusiastic little players! It’s an optional step but well worth the effort if you want the game to last.

Step 7: Game Instructions

Explain the rules of the memory matching game to your kids. They will need to shuffle the cards and lay them face down in rows. Players take turns flipping over two cards at a time, trying to find matches. If they find a pair, they keep the cards; if not, they turn them back over. The game continues until all pairs have been matched, and the player with the most pairs wins!

Additional Tips

• Custom Themes: To make the game even more special, consider selecting a theme. For instance, you could use animal photos, nature scenes, or whatever excites your child’s imagination.
• Involve Your Kids: Get your children involved in the creation process! Allow them to pick their favourite photos, choose card designs, or even decorate the game cards with stickers or drawings.
• Play Regularly: Once your game is complete, explore creative variations to keep it fresh. You could time players, add new photos over time, or create larger card sets for older kids.

Conclusion

Creating a personalised memory matching game with the Canon IVY Mini Photo Printer is an engaging and fun way to spend quality time with your children while boosting their memory skills. This project not only fosters creativity but also provides a tangible keepsake that can be treasured for years. So gather your family photos, unleash your creativity, and enjoy making memories that will last a lifetime!