How to Improve Kids' Memory Skills

Improving kids' memory skills can be started at an early age and may impact the child for his lifetime. Being able to readily remember and recall information, details and even names of people can help a child or adult be more successful in school, work and daily life. Encourage kids to improve their memory by using games and memory testing techniques.

Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a regular time to practice memory exercises. Usually three to four times a week is sufficient.

    • 2

      Prepare the correct environment. Turn off the TV and other background sounds. Don't work on memory exercises close to a transition time such as right before bed, after school or right before a sporting event or practice. Allow children to relax first and prepare their minds.

    • 3

      Provide children with a reliable sleep schedule and a good diet. Memory abilities have been tied to adequate sleep and nutrition.

    • 4

      Select a subject to practice memory skills, such as math, spelling, vocabulary, geography, history, music or a foreign language. Use subjects your child is currently studying in school to make his exercise practical. For example, if he has a spelling test every Friday, set up memory time with him on Tuesday and Thursday to go over the spelling words.

    • 5

      Try different formats of memory tests. Select different types of media to pose a question, then ask your child to provide the answer. Use sounds or spoken words or flash cards to begin with. Adjust the difficulty of the items to memorize for your child's ability and needs. For example, to help your daughter with a spelling test show her a picture of spelling word, such as a saxophone, and ask her to spell the word out loud or written down, whichever works best for her. Additional strategies can include the following:
      Play sounds or music: ask your child the musician's name or the instrument being played.
      Flash cards with math: ask the child to solve the problem.
      Flash cards with dots or colors for younger kids: ask the child to tell you the number or color.
      Flash cards with words in a foreign language: ask the child to tell you the English equivalents.

      For items your child can't quickly remember, give her additional practice by reviewing the forgotten items several times, mixing them in with more familiar information.

    • 6

      Set goals for memory improvement and reward your child when he does well, such as awarding a quarter for an A on a spelling test, or being able to recite his lines from a school play. Kids feel like achieving more if they feel like their work is paying off. The reward does not have to be a gift or money; some children feel rewarded if they are told how good they are or if they get to spend additional time doing a fun activity with their parents.

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