When you ask your child, “What did you learn at school today?” how often do they say, “I don’t remember”? Many children have trouble with memory recall. They may struggle to memorize facts, spelling, vocabulary, history, or science concepts. Each child has a unique learning style, so it is important to find how your child learns best. At Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center, we use many learning strategies to build an individualized approach. Here are strategies to help with memory recall skills.
Memory Recall Skills: Strategies to Try at Home
Write It Down
First, have your child practice spelling words or facts by writing them down. Also, crayons, chalk, or sand make it fun and memorable. For vocabulary and facts, flashcards work well. Write the word or concept on the front and the definition on the back.
Visualize and Verbalize
To visualize means to create a mental image. As a learning strategy, visualizing helps a child retain information, follow complex directions, and share thoughts in an organized way. It also helps with writing. If your child has the word on a flashcard, add a picture. Our post on visualizing and verbalizing explains how it works.
Say It Out Loud
Next, have your child read the word to you and then describe what it means. You can turn it into a game. Each person takes a turn drawing a flashcard from a hat and describing the word. You can also hide the flashcards and go on a scavenger hunt.
Make an Association
Then help your child connect a word to something that matters in their life. If your child can remember the association, it will likely help them recall the definition. Remember a fond memory that uses the word, or connect it to a fact. You can also make up an acronym or a song. For science and history, an acronym can help. Just be careful not to create one that is harder to remember than the material.
Use It or Lose It
Repeat, repeat, repeat. Repetition and many exposures have the greatest impact. Then review material you have already practiced, and use the different strategies above. As a result, your child’s memory recall will grow. For more ideas, see our post on language memory strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I help my child with memory recall skills?
First, try writing, drawing, saying words out loud, making associations, and reviewing often. Also, mixing strategies keeps practice fun.
Why does my child forget what they learn at school?
Many children need more exposures and different strategies to remember. If forgetting is a constant struggle, a learning evaluation can help.
What is the best way to memorize vocabulary words?
Use flashcards with a picture, say the meaning out loud, and connect each word to something familiar. Then review a little every day.
How ETLC Can Help
If your child struggles with memory recall, our learning specialists offer one-on-one support in Johnston and North Liberty. Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center has locations in Johnston and North Liberty, IA, with virtual services also available.
Learn more about tutoring at ETLC or schedule a free consultation to talk with a member of our team.
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About the Author
Sonia Strueby, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the founder of Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center. With over 25 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist, Sonia has dedicated her career to helping children overcome complex communication and academic challenges. She has advanced training and a special focus on treating dyslexia and childhood apraxia of speech, and she is passionate about providing families with a clear path to success.
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