Importance of Memory

Memory is an important part of learning. If you cannot memorize the alphabet or the numbers, you will be unable to form sentences or read words or add numbers. Memory is the beginning of learning.

Multi-sensory learning is the easiest way to remember and learn things. Our brains store memories according to the senses we have used. The more senses we use, the easier the information is to remember because it has been stored in several places in the brain, according to the senses used.

Another way to remember information is to remember who you were with, what was happening, etc. You are remembering the information based on who, where, what, why, when, and how it happened. Our memories do not work in isolation. The brain learns by connecting things. This type of memory is called contextual memory. As vocabulary is developed, children store and remember information based on context and use of multiple senses.

A third way to remember things is to remember them written or spoken. This is the most difficult of all because the brain is the least efficient at remembering print. This is why, when people study, they often read their study notes out loud in order to make the learning more multi-sensory. This type of memory is called semantic.

In order to aid children and parents to remember information; talk, listen and read with them. Discussing many topics promotes additional learning and makes connections. This is why, when reading a book during story time, the facilitator is encouraged to talk about the front cover before opening the book. Prompting questions about what the children think the book is about or the colour of the book are just examples of how to begin a story.