MEMORY SKILLS 6TH GRADE STUDY SKILLS CURRICULUM

YOUR MEMORY

– Your mind is built to remember. It never forgets or loses anything throughout your entire life. We say “forget” when actually we have trouble remembering information due to memory blocks, misplacement, or the replacement of information. It is natural to remember only those things or concepts which we think are important. This is because we pay more attention to the ideas and information we want to remember or relate to our own priorities.

YOUR MEMORY (cont.)

– There are many techniques, strategies, mnemonics, and tricks which can help you memorize and recall almost anything.

First

,

you must intend to remember and learn the information and then set a realistic goal.

As with almost any aspect of your life, if you focus your concentration upon remembering, you will succeed.

Realize that you can improve your memory.

Why do we forget?

 Lack of intent  Faulty recall system  Poor listener  Lack of intention  Too painful or embarrassing  Unprepared  Tired  Fear  Physical stress  Distracted  Bored  Dislike the person or disagree with what is being said  Lack of understanding  Mental stress or strain

6 Types of Memory

Sensory Taste feel Sound sight smell Verbal word meanings math symbo ls Short-Term (temporary storage) spelling words melodies cramming for tests Motor Skill (physical moves) biking swimming Photographic (visual info.) picture memory Long-Term (permanent storage) name address birthday, foreign lang .

Mnemonics

Mnemonics help you to memorize and recall almost any information.

Mnemonics provide a systematic approach for organizing and remembering facts that have no apparent link or connection of their own.

Get moving...

 Orally recite whenever possible  Write the information several times  Walk/pace if you need to while reciting, reading, etc.

 Use gestures if it helps

 Form clear pictures in your mind  The mind remembers pictures more easily and for longer periods than words

Link Information...

 Hook new information onto old information  Group or chunk material together  Remember similar/associated material when memory is blocked (helps jog memory)

Mnemonics/Strategies for Improving Memory

More Memory Tips

 Link what your learning with what you already know.



Intend

to remember when you learn.

 Use mnemonics that work for you.

 Colors, shapes, placement and pictures are important to your memory.

 Get past short-term memory and learn for long term memory

Be smart...

 Make your memorizing methods organized.

 Work with your memory and not against it.

 Make remembering a habit.

 Break up material in small units and review daily.

When to Review

 After class to reinforce short-term memory  In the evening before going to sleep  Within 24 hours of your lesson while editing notes  10 minutes each day  Quiz yourself and try to relate previously learned material to current studies

“Overlearn” the Material

 Continue to review after you know the information  Find a study partner with whom you can discuss the material.

REWARD YOURSELF !!!

 Compliment yourself on a job well done.

 Learn to trust your memory---it is your best resource.