Aboriginal Art Animals Memory Game

Turn over two cards and see if you can find a match. The Aboriginal Art Animals Memory Game features artwork by Aboriginal artists Kirralee Costelloe and Rhea Blair-Kearins. As children look closely at the designs and remember where they last saw a matching card, they practise visual memory, concentration and turn-taking.

Handcrafted in Sydney from sustainably sourced radiata pine, the wooden cards come in a pine tray for easy storage. Suitable for ages 3 and up, the game works well as a paired activity or a small-group game in early learning centres, kindergartens and junior primary classrooms.

Meet the Artists

Kirralee (Kiz) Costelloe is a proud Mandandanji and Noonuccal woman who was born and raised in Rockhampton, Queensland. Rhea Blair-Kearins is a proud Gumbaynggirr woman who was born and raised on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. The game includes a certificate of authenticity for the artwork.

Why Educators Love It

• Builds visual memory as children remember which designs they have seen and where the cards are placed.

• Encourages close observation as children compare colours, shapes and details to check whether two cards match.

• Supports cooperative play as children take turns, follow simple rules and celebrate each other’s matches.

• Brings Aboriginal artwork into everyday play and gives educators an opportunity to introduce both artists by name.

How to Use It

• Start with a few pairs face up and invite children to find matching designs. Turn the cards face down and add more pairs as children become familiar with the game.

• After a match, ask children which details helped them recognise the pair. Read the artists’ names together and invite children to share what they notice about the artwork.

EYLF Outcomes Supported

• Outcome 2 – Children are connected with and contribute to their world. Children encounter artwork by two Aboriginal artists and learn who created it.

• Outcome 4 – Children are confident and involved learners. Children use memory, observation and trial and error to find matching pairs.

• Outcome 5 – Children are effective communicators. Children describe what they see, explain how they found a match and listen to others.

Product Details

• Includes wooden matching cards, one pine storage tray and a certificate of authenticity

• Material radiata pine sourced under FSC-certified standards

• Made in Australia and handcrafted in Sydney

• Packaging recycled paper and cardboard

• Recommended age 3 years and up