New Executive Functioning Game: No Match Penguins

I am delighted to share one of my favorite resources with you: Executive Functioning Game: No Match Penguin. This game is the third in a series of four executive functioning games I created to strengthen core cognitive skills through playful learning. My students helped test and refine this game from the very beginning, and their excitement, laughter, and eagerness to play again and again confirmed that it was a winner. I am thrilled to now share it with you.

What Makes No Match Penguin So Special?

No Match Penguin is the simplest and most approachable game in the series, making it a wonderful starting point for children or individuals who are new to executive functioning activities. It can be played independently or competitively, offering flexibility for classrooms, small groups, therapy sessions, and at home.

This playful penguin game supports the development of essential executive functioning skills, including:

• Working memory
• Attention to detail
• Response inhibition (self-control)
• Mental shifting and cognitive flexibility
• Sustained attention and stamina

Because the game is fast-paced, students stay engaged while strengthening these foundational thinking skills. It is ideal as a warm-up activity to get the brain ready for learning, a tool for integrating both hemispheres of the brain, or a fun and energizing brain break.

No Match Penguin is especially beneficial for learners with ADHD, dyslexia, executive functioning challenges, visual processing difficulties, and those recovering from brain injuries. It has also been successfully used with older adults as a way to stimulate cognitive functioning and support memory and mental agility.

A Peek Inside the Game

The Cards
The deck includes 27 adorable cards featuring a mother and baby penguin. Each card varies by three simple features:

• The shape of the mother penguin’s hat (tall, medium, or short)

• The color of the baby penguin’s scarf (red, purple, or green)

• The position of the baby penguin’s hat pompom (left, center, or right)

These small differences require players to observe, hold visual information in mind, and compare attributes accurately before making a move.

How to Play

The objective of the game is to be the first to discard all your cards.

Players take turns comparing the top card in their hand to the card on the discard pile. A card can only be discarded if it shares no matching features with the card on top of the pile. If even one accessory is the same, the player must hold the card and try again on their next turn. This keeps players thinking, shifting attention, and analyzing details quickly and accurately.

The simple rules make the game easy to learn, but the challenge keeps players engaged and eager to improve their strategy.

Why Kids (and Adults) Love It

No Match Penguin is quick, fun, and wonderfully replayable. Students enjoy the silly penguin theme, the friendly competition, and the satisfaction of sharpening their thinking without it feeling like work. Educators appreciate that it is low prep, fast to teach, and packed with cognitive benefits.

Because it blends play with meaningful skill building, it is a win for everyone.

Other Activities:

Where Can I Purchase the Game?