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Tricky-word memory

Tricky-word memory

Play pairs with tricky word cards — turn two over, read them both, find a match. Classic memory game with real phonics value.

Word Games Ages 5-9 Medium energy 10-30 mins

Goal

Practise recognising tricky words through a familiar game that makes repetition feel like play.

You'll need

  • Tricky Word Cards

How to do it

You'll need two of each tricky word card (print duplicates if needed). Place them face down in a grid. Take turns turning over two cards. Read each word aloud when you flip it — even if it's not a match.

If they match, keep the pair and go again. If not, turn them back over. The reading-aloud rule is important: every flip is a chance to practise the word, not just find pairs.

Play until all pairs are found. The winner is whoever has the most pairs — but honestly, the number of times each word gets read is the real prize. Tricky words need repetition, and this is a genuinely painless way to get it.

Grab our resources

Print our tricky word cards to get started.

Tricky Word Cards

Tricky Word Cards

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