10 Simple Steps to Maximizing Memory

Remember these. They'll come in handy. Every day, children especially, are required to memorize what they learn. Whether it's at school or at-home, children are expected to memorize what seems like an endless list of sometimes useless information each day. It's easy for a child to lose sight of the importance of building a strong memory. History, Math, Science, English: all require a keen memory to score high on exams. There's been a lot of controversy over the idea that having children memorize facts and spew them out on standardized tests is truly the best way for a young student to learn. But, it doesn't seem like this will change anytime soon. So, I've got some simple practices for you to teach both yourself and your child. These practices will improve what's called "synaptic elasticity," AKA, memory. Don't pay for Lumosity; just read this post and practice its suggestions.

 

Here we go...

1. Review & Repeat - Yeah, this one's simple. The more you repeat information, the more likely you'll remember it. Don't picture a memory as a tiny little spot in your brain. A memory is actually a pathway. It's literally a curvy road inside your brain, and the more you review and repeat a memory, the stronger the synapses (think of them as bridges) become.
2. Say It, Write It - Don't just think it. Say it out loud. Then, hear yourself saying it. After that, write it. Then read it. This practice involves multiple senses in memorizing, providing your brain with different pathways to recall.
3. Personalize It - Individuals, even children, are more likely to remember information if it somehow pertains to them. This is a great practice to teach your child when it comes to memorizing facts on a history exam. "Johnny, remember when you said you were going to run away if I didn't let you eat ice cream for breakfast?" - "Vaguely Mom, why?" - "The pilgrims left Britain because they couldn't eat ice cream for breakfast...or, rather, practice their own religion." - "Mom, that's totally different." - "Johnny, you'll thank me later. Good luck on the exam!"
4. Rhymes and Songs - "In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue." They didn't make this rhyme for no reason. Many psychological studies have suggested that rhyming aids in the memorizing process.
5. Tell a Story - When you tell a story, you create a mental image in your mind. Much like #2, this gives you another way of recalling a peice of stored memory. A child can make up his own imaginative, less boring version of The Spanish Inquisition.
6. Predication - Make sure you're involved in your child's studies. Ask them what they know about a topic and what they would like to learn.
7. Chunk It - Break peices of information into chunks. A great example of this is how we memorize telephone numbers. You'll never here someone spew out a whole telephone number without particularly 2 breaks, 3 chunks (area code, next three digits and last four digits).
8. Acronyms - Acronyms are GREAT for children. PEMDAS for Math. HOMES for the Great Lakes (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior).
9. Acrostics - Acrostics are somewhat like acronyms, except, a sentence is used. Rhythm is a hard word to spell, but not if you memorize that Rhythm helps your hips move.
10. Stress, Sleep, and Brain Overload - It's crucial that the brain receives all of the sleep and rest that it requires for memory. During sleep, synapses in the brain are strengthened, especially for memory just learned that day. Also, take study breaks!

There you have it. 10 simple steps to maximize your memory. You better memorize them.