IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY

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1. Link It-

          Connect new ideas to what you already know.  For example, if you know that either is spelled ei rather than ie, you can use this to learn that neither is spelled with the same pattern.

2.  Repeat it-

          Repetition helps fix information in your mind, so recite facts aloud or write them down.  You might have used this technique by writing spelling words over and over to help memorize them.

3.  Play with it-

          Use memory tricks, little sayings that jog your mind.  For example, if you want to remember the order of the planets, try learning this saying:  My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas.  The first letter of each word shows that order of the planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto.

4.  Write it down-

          Write important information on index cards.  Use these flash cards often to help you remember historic dates, definitions, vocabulary, math formulas, and other facts and ideas.

5.  Sing it-

          Songs stick in our mind because of their strong rhythm.  Set important facts such as state capitals, presidents, and science facts to songs to help fix them in your mind.

6.  Visualize it-

          As you study, form a mental picture of a person, place, thing or idea.  Do this by imagining how it looks, smells, sounds, tastes, or feels.