Strategies to help children develop their memories

1. Review Notes the Same Day
   Studies prove that in order for us to store information “long term” it must be reviewed within 24 hrs. or less. By getting in the habit of same day review, we increase the chances of remembering by over 70 percent!
    
2. Use Daylight
   This method is particularly effective for weekend study and review. Study the most difficult subjects during daylight hours. For many students the early morning hours can be especially productive and will stimulate the memory process.
    
3. Distribute Learning
   Research suggest marathon study sessions (3 hrs. or more) are not as effective as light study sessions (1-2 hrs.) which are distributed at different times during the week. Take frequent breaks. Some students can study 50 minutes or more, others need to stop after 30 minutes. Try to distribute your length of study in the same rhythm as your classes (50/10/50). Give yourself rewards, you’ve earned it!
    
4. Keep a Positive Attitude
   Studies prove that if you repeat to yourself negative feelings about a subject you increase your chances to fail! Since we all want to succeed, “Trash negative” and replace with “Positive Thoughts.” For example, replace “I can’t do it” with “It’s not easy, but I am tough and I accept this challenge.” Prove you can and you will! This is a self-fulfilling prophecy as attitude directly effects the memory!
    
5. Go On an “Information Diet”
   Just as we avoid certain foods, we can choose what not to retain. Extract core concepts, study what you will be tested on, abbreviate large passages of information into easy to digest phrases, this will help you remember.
    
6. Combine Memory Techniques
   All of the memory techniques work better when combined. You can over learn a formula, sing about a famous person, think positive thoughts about subjects, use sight, sound, and other methods to sharpen your memory.
    
7. Remember Something Else
   When you are stuck and can’t remember, think of something related to the information. For example if you cannot remember a name, think about what the person did, what period they lived or who they associated with. Write down what you do know and soon it will trigger facts that you are trying to recall. This technique really works!
    
8. Note When You Don’t Remember
   If you tried some memory techniques that do not seem to work, it’s all-right. Try an experiment with other techniques and use what is best for you and not what works for a classmate. Be a reporter, get the facts, find out what works and what doesn’t. Congratulate and reward yourself when you do remember.
    
9. Use It Before You Loose It
   Information stored in the long-term memory may become difficult to recall if you don’t use it. Simply read it, write it, speak about it and/or apply it. This is especially effective when you have to recall formulas or facts from a previous course. The 101 course information may be used in a 102 course. Therefore, retain your notes, the old text, and keep the information fresh with a review.
    
10. Affirmation of Your Good Memory Helps You to Remember
    When you are sharp and recall all the facts, accept compliments! When you do not recall the facts, think that you know it, you can remember, and the facts will come to you. You may have to use various techniques to help you remember but never give up! You truly “never forget.” Those facts will eventually “come to you.” Keep studying, try again and they will!