How Do You Make Kids Remember What They Learn?
- Vinayak Khattar
- May 2
- 5 min read
As parents and educators, one of our biggest challenges is helping kids remember what they learn.
You might have noticed your child getting excited about a new lesson or concept one day, only to forget it the next.
This can be frustrating, but it’s important to understand that memory and learning are closely connected, and there are ways to support and improve your child’s ability to retain information.
In this blog, we’ll explore practical tips and techniques to help your child strengthen their memory and make learning more effective and enjoyable.
How to Help Children Retain Information?
1. Repetition is Key
One of the best ways to help your child retain information is through repetition.
Think about how you remember things - the more you repeat something, the more likely it is to stick in your memory.
This same principle applies to your child!
For example, reviewing key points during their study session can help reinforce what they’ve learned.
You can even create fun quizzes or flashcards to make the process feel more like a game than a chore.
Be creative in the ways you repeat the concepts with your child. For example, try verbal questioning one day, have them teach you the next, make it a game as you drive them to school or when you’re on a walk with them. Changing it up will ensure they aren’t just merely memorizing information but are crystallizing their knowledge.
2. Incorporate Active Learning
Active learning goes beyond passive reading or listening. Encourage your child to engage with the material by:
Teaching it back to you in their own words
Drawing diagrams or creating mind maps
Acting out concepts or role-playing
Asking and answering questions
When children actively interact with what they learn, their brain processes and stores information more effectively.
3. Break Learning into Smaller Chunks
Large chunks of information can overwhelm a child’s brain, making it harder for them to retain the details. Instead, break lessons into smaller, digestible chunks.
This method, known as chunking, helps the brain process and store information more efficiently.
For example, instead of cramming for an entire test at once, focus on one small section at a time. This can make a big difference when your child is having trouble retaining information.
4. Use Visual Aids and Mnemonics
Children often retain information better when it's presented visually. Try using:
Charts and diagrams to simplify complex ideas
Timelines for history lessons
Acronyms and rhymes to make memorization easier
For example, to remember the order of the planets, kids use the mnemonic "My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nachos" (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune).
5. Create a Positive Learning Environment
A calm, quiet, and supportive environment is crucial for memory retention.
If your child is distracted or stressed, their brain won’t be able to absorb information as effectively. Set up a comfortable, quiet study space and encourage regular breaks to avoid burnout.
Also, make sure your child is getting enough sleep, as quality rest is essential for memory consolidation. Well-rested kids are more likely to retain what they've learned.
Learn here - Why positive reinforcement is so important?
6. Connect New Information to What They Already Know
When learning something new, connecting it to something your child already understands can make the information easier to remember.
This method, known as scaffolding, builds on prior knowledge.
For example, if your child is learning about ecosystems, you might ask them to relate the topic to animals they already know about or their experiences in nature. These connections help their brain make sense of the new information and store it more effectively.
7. Be Patient and Encourage Consistency
Every child learns differently, and it’s completely normal for some kids to take longer to retain information than others.
If a child is struggling with memory or you notice they forget things learned easily, don’t get discouraged.
Consistency is key!
Gently encourage them to keep practicing, and offer plenty of praise for their efforts. Over time, as your child builds confidence and develops better memory strategies, they’ll find it easier to retain what they’ve learned.
Want More Tips and Strategies for Supporting Your Child’s Learning? Check out our blogs!
Is Memorizing a Way of Learning?
Memorization helps in the short term, but it does not always lead to deep understanding. Here’s why balancing memorization with comprehension is key:
Memorizing formulas or facts without understanding their application can lead to forgetting them quickly.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills develop through interactive learning, not rote memorization.
Connecting new information to real-life situations or existing knowledge improves long-term retention.
Practicing and applying knowledge in different ways ensures a deeper grasp of concepts.
Improve Your Child’s Ability to Retain What They Learn With Solomon Tutoring
It's common for parents to notice that their child forgets things they have learned.
If you’re asking yourself, "How can I help my child retain information?" you're not alone.
Retaining knowledge is crucial for academic success, and fortunately, there are proven strategies to improve your child’s memory and make learning more effective.
This is where Solomon Tutoring can make all the difference. We specialize in offering online tutoring services designed to improve retention and boost understanding.
Here’s how we can help your child improve their ability to retain information:
Independent Learning
We empower children to take ownership of their learning by encouraging independent study habits. This approach helps build confidence and strengthens their memory retention over time.
Online Games
Learning through play is highly effective!
Our interactive online games are designed to make studying fun while reinforcing key concepts, boosting your child's ability to recall and retain information.
Custom Activities
We create custom activities tailored to your child’s specific learning needs. These engaging tasks are designed to make learning feel personal and relevant, which helps improve memory retention.
One-on-One Tutoring
With one-on-one tutoring, your child gets the individualized attention they need to overcome challenges. This focused, personalized approach ensures that lessons are understood deeply, aiding in long-term retention.
Custom Worksheets
Our custom worksheets are crafted to reinforce what your child is learning. These worksheets allow them to practice and apply their knowledge in a structured way, helping to strengthen memory.
Online Math Videos
We provide online math videos that break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand lessons. These visual resources help your child grasp difficult topics and improve retention by allowing them to review content at their own pace.
Every child learns at their own pace, and sometimes, they need extra support to catch up and build confidence in their abilities. Private tutoring provides personalized learning experiences that help students overcome academic challenges and excel in their studies.
One parent, Tati Dada, shared a heartwarming experience about how tutoring changed her son’s academic progress:
This testimonial highlights the power of one-on-one tutoring. With the right guidance, children can make remarkable progress in a short time, boosting their confidence and enthusiasm for learning.
Related Articles:
Helping your child remember what they learn is a journey, but you can tackle it together. By using strategies that encourage repetition, active learning, and deep understanding, you can strengthen your child’s memory and make learning more enjoyable and effective.
So, if you’ve noticed your child’s memory isn't quite where you’d like it to be, try incorporating some of these tips. With the right approach, your child will start to retain more information and feel more confident in their learning abilities.
If you're looking for more personalized support in helping your child with memory and learning, tutoring could be an excellent option.
Kommentare