Improving a child’s memory is one of the important tasks facing parents and teachers. Many aspects of successful learning and general intellectual development are associated with the development of memory. In this article, we will look at useful and effective life hacks to improve memory in children. We will try to offer a variety of diverse and interesting methods that will help your child memorize information faster and for a long time.
The use of mnemonics in school subjects
Mnemonics is a set of techniques that help to memorize information by associating it with already known concepts and images. Examples of mnemonics include acronyms, rhymes, and associations.
Examples:
- Acronyms: To memorize the planets of the Solar system, you can use the acronym “MJWZZUNP” (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto).
- Rhymes: Auxiliary rhymes help to remember historical dates or spelling of words.
- Associations: Linking new information with visual images or familiar concepts.
Application in life
Parents can use mnemonics to help their child remember important details. For example, to remember a phone number, you can split it into pairs of digits and come up with associations for each pair.
What is interval repetition?
Interval repetition is a technique based on repeating information over increasing time intervals. It has proven to be effective in long-term memorization.
How does the method work?
- The first repetition: Immediately after learning new material.
- Second repetition: After 10-15 minutes.
- The third repetition: After 1 day.
- The fourth repetition: After 1 week.
- The fifth repetition: After 1 month.
Application in education
Use this method to repeat the training material. Create a repetition calendar that will help your child systematically return to the information they have learned. This is especially useful before exams and test papers.
Advantages of using diagrams and tables
Visual tools such as diagrams and tables help structure information and make it easier to remember. Graphic elements make the learning material more understandable and visual.
Usage examples:
- Mind Maps: A great way to organize information by topic. For example, to study biology, you can create a map where the central element is a cell, and around it are its parts and functions.
- Tables: Suitable for comparing and matching data. For example, tables for memorizing historical dates or chemical elements.
Application in education
Parents and teachers can help children create diagrams and tables in various subjects. This not only improves memory, but also develops logical thinking and analytical skills.
Physical activity and cognitive functions
Studies have shown that regular exercise improves cognitive functions, including memory. Sport improves blood circulation and oxygen supply to the brain, which has a positive effect on its work.
Examples of exercises:
- Aerobic exercises: Running, swimming, dancing.
- Team sports: Football, basketball, volleyball.
- Yoga and Meditation: Help reduce stress and improve concentration.
Application in everyday life
Encourage your child to exercise regularly. Joint family workouts and active outdoor games can be a great way to improve memory and overall physical health.
Nutrition and cognitive abilities
Good nutrition plays an important role in the development of memory. Some foods help to improve brain function and memory due to the content of useful substances.
Recommended products:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Fish (salmon, sardines), nuts, flaxseed.
- Antioxidants: Berries (blueberries, strawberries), nuts, dark chocolate.
- B vitamins: Whole grain products, eggs, poultry meat.
- Minerals: Iron (red meat, legumes), magnesium (spinach, almonds).
Application in everyday life
Make a varied menu that includes foods that are good for the brain. Pay attention to snacks: replace chips and sweets with nuts and fruits. Proper nutrition is the key to a good memory and child’s health.
Learning through Play
Games and puzzles stimulate brain activity and develop cognitive skills. They make the learning process interesting and exciting.
Examples of games and puzzles:
Application in education
Incorporate games and puzzles into your daily learning process. This can be either a separate activity or part of a homework assignment. Games will help your child relax and improve his memory in an exciting way.
How sleep affects memory
Sleep plays a key role in memory consolidation, that is, in the process when new information is transferred from short-term memory to long-term memory. Without enough sleep, this process is disrupted, which negatively affects educational achievements.
Optimal sleep time:
- Children aged 6-13 years: 9-11 hours of sleep per day.
- Teenagers 14-17 years old: 8-10 hours of sleep per day.
Creating conditions for quality sleep
- Sleep mode: A regular sleep schedule helps to stabilize biorhythms.
- Comfortable environment: A quiet, dark and cool room promotes better sleep.
- Screen time limit: Put away your gadgets an hour before bedtime to reduce exposure to blue light.
