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How to Improve Rote Memorization in Children

Rote memorization is a method of learning that emphasizes routine and repetition rather than comprehension. The more children repeat their lesson, the more they will remember. Educators and psychologists often criticize learning by rote, saying children are simply mimicking what they hear or read, not truly understanding. Despite the criticism, rote memorization can be an effective way of learning math, language and reading. Andrew Cohen on Brainscape says, "If you actually want to acquire a full range of knowledge about a given topic, the most guaranteed and efficient way to do so is to study deliberately using the time-honored practice of repetition ..."

Things You'll Need

  • Flash cards
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Instructions

    • 1

      Schedule a study session with the child every day after school. Repetitiveness is essential, so teach with rote memorization most days of the week.

    • 2

      Read over classwork and homework aloud. Have the child recite the facts aloud repeatedly. Hearing something is more effective than simply reading it. Test the child by covering the words with a piece of paper. Have him repeat what he committed to memory.

    • 3

      Incorporate flash cards in the lessons. Put the question on one side of a card and the answer on the other. Have the child read the question aloud, answer it, then flip it over to check his answer. If he doesn't know the answers, allow him to flip through all the cards to study them. Work in batches of five or 10 cards to make the task less daunting. Shuffle the cards each time you quiz the child so he remembers the information itself, not the order he's used to.

    • 4

      Quiz the child before tests. Instead of cramming, have him memorize the answers for several nights in a row. Use flashcards or practice tests to prepare. Repeat all information in varying order so he identifies the correct answers on the test.

    • 5

      Review facts before bed. There is evidence that sleeping after thinking will lead to a solution the next day, according to Psychology4All. The child is more likely to remember with this method of rote memorization. Have the child write down a few of the facts he's trying to learn, read it aloud, then recite it up to three times.

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