A Memorization Technique

December 30th, 2009 by Stu Mark · 5 Comments

Kids get homework. Way too much homework. And the stress is just astronomical. One path I’ve chosen as a method to reducing this stress is to be their unconditional support mechanism, especially when they have to study for an exam. To clarify: When I help them to study for a test, I say only positive comments, I make suggestions in a positive-only voice, and I set up their at-home practice-quizzing environments so that there is only a short path to each success point.

Let me expand on that last one. When my kids have a test upcoming, they will, most of the time, come to me and say, “Would you quiz me?” When this happens, I set up a very specific quizzing pattern, so that they can witness their own success faster and as frequently as possible. Here’s an example:

If they are doing memorization drills, such as vocabulary, I ask them the first word, and if they get it right, I go to the second one. Regardless of the answer to the second one, I go back and ask the first word again. So it looks like this:

Me: “First word: Vociferous”

Kid: “Offensively loud”

Me: “Great. Next word: Protuberance”

Kid: “Bulge”

Me: “Awesome. Next word: Vociferous”

Kid: “Offensively loud”

…or…

Me: “First word: Vociferous”

Kid: “Offensively loud”

Me: “Great. Next word: Protuberance”

Kid: “Angry”

Me: “Not really. Close, but protuberance means “bulge”. Next word: Vociferous”

Kid: “Offensively loud”

…and repeat the pattern…

I mix it up a little, sometimes I go one new word before a repeat of a known word, sometimes I will give my kid two new words in a row, sometimes three, but rarely that. I find that if I do the repeat-the-known-word pattern, the kid learns faster. Also, they seem to exhibit less stress during the quizzing. And these are my top two goals for my kid during homework time: Learn and have minimal stress.

Give it a try if it seems like a decent idea, and if you do, let me know if you found that it made a difference. As always, I apologize in advance if this method accidentally breaks your kid.

by Stu Mark

Photo graciously provided by a_soft_world, through a Creative Commons license, some rights reserved

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5 responses so far ↓

Nan // Dec 30, 2009 at 7:02 am

Being positive is SO important. Kids actually memorize better when they are having fun, so the moment negativity starts in they set up a mental block.

We get one-tenth of the homework we used to, here in the UK. I love it!
Rocket Science Mom // Dec 30, 2009 at 9:26 am

This is exactly how my Dad used to quiz me on my spelling words when I was little. He’d go through them, go back up the list, do a few new ones, go back to the ones I had just done, do some new ones, repeat. I rocked those spelling tests.

I never thought about the reason it worked, I just knew it did.

The hubby and I have started to do this on our son’s spelling word list as well. Said son is not thrilled when we repeat “hey we just did that one” but he’s doing awesome in spelling.

I always thought it worked because of the repetition, and it kept me honest, because I couldn’t “guess” on the word, but I never thought it was also self esteem building.

Thanks for letting me see something that was right in front of my face.
Dangermouse // Dec 30, 2009 at 3:19 pm

That’s a great system, Stu. I never had someone to quiz me like that so I had to do it myself. Looking back I can remember doing the repetition by making lists and reviewing… the “read, say, write” rule.

Having that added support and esteem boost is a fantastic bonus. I can see how it can/will inspire a child to seek help and want to learn more.
Kelly D // Dec 31, 2009 at 4:36 pm

I hope to remember this technique when my kids are bringing home school work. Even now I use positive reinforcement with my girls. It works amazingly well. They respond so much better when you use positive rather than negative language.
STL Mom // Jan 1, 2010 at 6:00 pm

Thanks for this tip. I’m working with my son on spelling words over break. After reading this post, I’m having him start by reading the word, spelling the word while looking at it, then cover the word and spell it again. He thinks it’s funny because it is so easy. I’m hoping that a few more repetitions will reinforce the correct spelling, as opposed to him “guessing” and getting it wrong half the time.
Lowering stress is good for all kids, but especially for those whose frustration tolerance is very, very low.