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Helping Your Child Develop a Stronger Memory
Can you remember what you did last weekend? How about what you ate for breakfast? Who was your second grade teacher? Our memories are precious and numerous.

The fact that we remember everything from birthdays to algebra is a magnificent feat. The development of memory occurs in elementary and middle school. If you have children in school, you know the importance of teaching them good study habits and skills that enhance their thought capacity. If you have noticed that they are having difficulty remembering the small things or that their grades are dropping, there are steps you can take. Read on to find out how memory works and how to strengthen it.

Remember the Memories
There are two forms of memory: short-term, or working memory and long-term memory. Short-term memory helps us with the simple things we do every day, whether it is remembering to pour milk on your cereal before you eat it or grabbing that library book on your way out the door. When we repeat something over and over again to the point that we do not have to think before doing it anymore, it is called long-term memory. Things you could do in your sleep, like brushing your teeth, are ingrained in your long-term memory. In grade school, memory is used to learn how to read, write and do figures. As short-term memory gathers these facts, the repetition builds into long-term memory, which is used throughout elementary school and beyond. Small steps can be taken in your child’s early years to build their memory “database.” If your child is having trouble recalling facts, do not worry: there are exercises to help everyone.

A Simple Answer
Flash cards are one of many tried-and-true methods used in all levels
of schooling. A handful of index cards can successfully store away historic events, math equations and word definitions. Flash cards can be used from elementary grades onward, and are very convenient, easily fitting in a
pocket or purse. Index cards can also help organize study time. Is your child studying for midterms this week? Use colorful index cards, keeping
one color per subject. Try color matching with textbooks or notebooks to further the connection between the subject and the cards, thereby enhancing your child’s memory.

Mind Games
Games are another great way to get children involved in sharpening their memories. The card game “Memory” is a classic that can be played with a specific set of cards or with a regular deck. Another family-friendly option is putting a puzzle together. This is great for all ages because puzzles come in all different sizes and difficulties. Your young one can enjoy a 50-piece puzzle while your middle-schooler or high-schooler can feel challenged by a 500-piece one. Check out a yard sale or let the kids pick one out at the store; there are many themes to choose from. Finally, “20 Questions” is an easy game to play on the go. This game is perfect for either running errands or for longer trips on vacation because no game board is needed. Try to relate answers to something your children are currently learning in the classroom. Regardless of which activity you choose, all of these will improve your child’s memory in a fun and easy way.

Memory Overload
If studying has become an issue, there are simple ways to help, but it’s important to get to the source of why your child is having a hard time. It could be that your child has way too much information on their plate, which can easily overwhelm and discourage any young mind. Sit down with them and try to break down the assignments piece by piece. Simplify directions or make a list of things that need to be done. Organization is key. Encourage them to take a
break every 30 minutes or so — something simple like taking a short bike ride or running around the yard for 15 minutes can help let them digest new information and relax. Cramming is never helpful. If you notice your high-schooler trying to cram for an exam, let them know that the brain needs sleep to reinforce memories from the previous day. It is better to get a good night’s sleep than to fall asleep during the test and forget everything!

A Different Approach
If you notice that your child is constantly struggling with remembering things, it might be more than a memory issue. Low self-esteem can be the result when your child finds things progressively harder and harder to understand, and can usually be seen in falling grades. Use positive reinforcement and slowly implement some of the aforementioned techniques to get them out of their funk. Try having conversations with them about their classes, and discuss what went on in each class. Even writing down one interesting fact from each lesson can spark their memory and help them remember the day’s information.

Strengthening your child’s memory will not only help them excel in their classes, but will also benefit them in their adult life. Most people are able to manage their overflowing schedules because of their memories. If you notice that you are more forgetful lately, these tips and tricks can help you, too. Have fun with your children while teaching them that memorizing is not a chore, but a path to a more successful and productive life.

Does your child need a little homework help?
Try BigY’s Homework Helpline, available Monday through Thursday from 4-7 p.m. A staff of certified teachers is always on the line to help.
Just call 1-800-866-BigY or visit www.bigy.com/homework.