Memorizing issues

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  • October 6, 2010 at 11:47 am
    Misty
    Participant

    So ladies I asked about serious math help in a post just a couple days ago and got some great advice and suggestions.  One thing many people here and from personal friends commented on is his memory on things.  So I though I ‘d ask more about this seperate.

    Memorization is terribly hard for him.  He takes 3 x’s as long to memorize his bible verse, he forgets things easily and the only thing I know he can memorize quickly must rhyme, or have a beat per say to it.  Like music etc. 

    So is there anything out there that rhyme’s for math?  Has a beat to it?  I have the multiplication rock but that isn’t working for some reason.

    Or any ways to help build up this strength of memory retention?  Thanks again.Misty

    October 6, 2010 at 2:08 pm
    houseofchaos
    Participant

    Misty, we have an 11 year old that struggled for a long time with memory work.  With her, it turned out rather to be a lack of focus, and the tendency to become easily distracted.  Is it possible that his is the problem?

    October 6, 2010 at 7:11 pm
    Misty
    Participant

    Galeen – oh yes definetly.  He is distracted by anything and everything and once distracted his mind is else where.  Also, if he’s not interested (lack of focus) then it’s like in one ear and out the other.  Do you have any suggestions for this?

    October 6, 2010 at 7:56 pm
    Sue
    Participant

    My son has mild autism, so his memorization issues may not be exactly like your son’s, but we have found that he can hear a song once or twice only to sing all of the song the next day.  Multiplication Rock doesn’t really work for him all that well, either, and I think that some of the songs are either too mellow to stick with him, or the lyrics don’t really rhyme and stick with him.  We have used some dvd’s from Rock ‘n Learn for addition, and they helped him more than other dvd’s.  Rock ‘n Learn has Multiplication Rock and Multiplication Rap dvd’s.

    We also find that my son can recall things better if he is allowed to do something else (move around, play quietly with cars or K’nex) while we are working on schoolwork that he only has to listen to.

    October 6, 2010 at 8:09 pm
    houseofchaos
    Participant

    Well, I can tell you what has worked for us.  I have two children that lack attention span.  I keep memory work on a large dry erase board in our dining room/schoolroom.  This way I can ask throughout the day, and they can easily look up and memorize throughout the day.

    We require less memory work from those with difficulty (for a time) as compared to the others, as long as they are working at memorizing and doing it well.  Everyone has a different “best” level of achievement, and that is okay.  It’s better to learn less and do it well with confidence, than to learn nothing at all and be constantly discouraged.  I tend to set the requirement pretty low with someone who is easily downtrodden, regardless of age.  I find after a time they will ask for more, once they realize they can do it.  Stick with it – our eleven year old who couldn’t seem to retain a thing two years ago can now recite nineteen chapters of Matthew (with a little prompting).

    A quiet place (if you can find one) is a big help to anyone easily distracted (obviously).  One of our children had to work on some of her lessons after everyone else was gone to play for a time.  This helped her focus better, and I think motivated her to try and focus when everyone is around.  😉

    We have a small dry erase board beside the bed for the younger ones, or the ones with difficulty memorizing, to help with the current memory work also. 

    Remind him of his strengths – everyone has them, and no two persons are alike.  I think it is hard for the scholastically challenged – and it can be especially so in a homeschool where you may have younger children at your level or ahead (we have that too!).

    As far as lack of interest goes…. it can be lack of discipline, too difficult materials, or both (this is a judgement call).  Sometimes I have had to say “You will sit here until this is done.”  Other times I have had to switch to materials a little younger than what I would expect in order to gain interest.  I have found the majority of our children have very broad interests when it is approached the right way.

    I hope this is somewhat helpful, and that others will fill in where I have missed out.

    Gaeleen

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