How to Memorize Something Fast: Tips for Kids and Teens

Great memory skills make life so much easier. Whether you’re out picking up groceries and discover you’ve left your shopping list at home or are at work and need to recall a client’s name fast, having a great memory can help with all sorts of things. For kids and teens studying for exams, memory skills are vital. Below, we’re going to discover more about memory, learn how to memorize something fast, and find out some great ways to support your child’s studying. Let’s dive in!

Contents:

• How Does Memory Work?
• Active Memorization Techniques
• Daily Habits to Boost Memory
• Technology-Aided Learning
• How Parents Can Support Their Children’s Memorization Efforts
• FAQs

How Does Memory Work?

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Memory is our ability to recall information we’ve previously learned, or things we’ve experienced. Different parts of the brain work together to collect and store information so we can access it when needed. There are three main types of memory: short-term memory, long-term memory, and sensory memory.

• Short-term memory is very accessible and holds information for just seconds or minutes.
• Long-term memory can hold information for years and is mainly permanent, and there isn’t a limit on the amount of information that can be stored.
• Sensory memory is only stored for seconds and is collected from the senses (vision, taste, touch, smell, sound). These memories are very detailed and are not consciously controlled.

There are limits to our memory, however. With so much incoming information, the brain selects and stores the information to keep, rather than filing everything away permanently. Plus, stress, a lack of sleep, and trauma can all also affect our ability to memorize and recall information, while certain injuries and health conditions may damage the memory processing and storing parts of the brain.

Research shows that our memory capacity isn’t endless, and it comes with measurable constraints:
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Classic research by George Miller suggested we can juggle about 7 items (±2) in short-term memory. But more recent studies show that in today’s multitasking, screen-heavy world, many people function closer to just 3–4 items at a time in working memory. That means distractions (like constant notifications) can make it harder to hold onto even small pieces of information.

By contrast, long-term memory doesn’t seem to have a fixed limit, but the challenge is in transferring information from short-term storage to long-term retrieval. Repetition, emotional connection, and context are what help information “stick” — otherwise, much of it fades quickly.

However, repetition or spaced repetition techniques may not be as effective as expected—especially the way most people use them. This is because information memorized in this way is often not retained long-term, instead fading over time. More concerningly, this type of memorization technique could even negatively impact our overall memory skills by weakening neural connections.

Active Memorization Techniques

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Repetition strategies, when used the right way, can help kids memorize quickly. Other effective techniques include chunking, mnemonics, and visualization, and we’re going to look at these in detail below.

Chunking

If you’re looking for tips on how to memorize something fast, perhaps to help your kids remember information for upcoming exams, the chunking method is a good place to start.

This technique is about breaking information up into small parts (or chunks) and can be very effective as an everyday memory enhancer.

To try this method, split the information to be memorized into small groups. If your child is learning vocabulary words, this could mean forming groups of words that are similar or related to each other. Trying to memorize historical dates? Group the dates and related information by, perhaps, different centuries, or by category, such as dates of conflicts, or when certain monarchs ascended to the throne.

To create groups, look for connections between each item or make your own associations. These could be different from everyone, and that’s ok!

Visualization

Keen to discover some great memory tips for kids? Visualization exercises could be the answer!

This memory technique is so effective because the brain processes visual information differently from other types of incoming data. In a nutshell, the brain typically has a bias towards visual information, meaning we’re more likely to remember something we see rather than something we read or hear.

To use this method, suggest that your child create a mental image of the concept or thing they’re trying to memorize, or use visuals on flashcards as well as written text. Color coding can also be useful to review and memorize material.

Some people use “memory palaces” to help with recall—this technique leverages spatial memory and is one of the most well-known “memorize fast” techniques. To create a memory palace, ask your child to visualize a space they know well (such as their home or their bedroom) and place the things they want to recall in specific locations within this space. For example, if they’re trying to remember the order of English kings and queens, they could “place” William the Conqueror on the lawn of their house, William II just inside the front door, Henry I in the hall, Stephen in the lounge, Henry II in the kitchen, and so on. If this creates some comedy, all to the good!

Mnemonics

Mnemonics can be a great way for kids and students to improve memory skills and ensure they can easily access the information they need in an exam or test.

This technique involves using acronyms or rhymes to enhance working memory and make the act of memorization itself easier.

An acronym can be created by using the first letter of a group of words to make a different word. For example, if your child wants to remember the order of the planets in our solar system, they could use the acronym M (Mercury)y V (Venus)ery E (Earth)ducated M (Mars)other J (Jupiter)ust S (Saturn)ent U (Uranus)s N (Neptune)ine P (Pluto)izzas.

Parents keen to learn about study tips for teens may also like to try out rhyming techniques to aid memory. There’s even a rhyme to help remember the rule when it comes to multiplying negatives: “Minus times minus is plus, the reason for this we need not discuss.”

Need to remember the water cycle? Introduce your kid to this rhyme, which can be sung to the tune of “Row, Row Your Boat”:

“Flow, flow, flow the stream,

Evaporate and rise,

Condensation forms the clouds,

Falling rain from the skies.

Collect, collect, in ponds,

Then the sun shines bright,

It starts all over again,

In a beautiful delight!”

The Feynman Technique

Developed by Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman in the late 20th century, this active study technique focuses on using simple, concise language.

There are four key steps to applying the technique:

1. Begin by writing everything you know about the topic from memory.
2. Next, on a new piece of paper, write down everything you know from memory in a way that a child would understand; the idea is to use simple, to-the-point language.
3. Now it’s time to review any gaps in your knowledge by reading through the textbook (or other learning resource) and adding to your notes any missed information.
4. The final stage is organization, which should involve, for example, color coding, putting things in order, and spellchecking your notes.

The beauty of this technique is that, once you or your child is ready to revise again, you’ll have a concise set of notes to study, to which you can continue to add new information and knowledge. It’s also a great way to kickstart a study session for those prone to procrastination.

Get Testing

Testing yourself on a topic is a surprisingly good way to memorize things, too. This method takes advantage of the fact that tasks involving active recall make the information “stick” more powerfully than passive recall.

Suggest your child create questions as they take notes or study, and then test themselves with these questions at the end of their study session. They should try to answer the questions without referring to their notes if possible.

Spaced Repetition

When used properly, the spaced repetition method of memorization is a useful tool in the study arsenal.

To practice this technique, your kids should review what they’re trying to memorize at gradually increasing intervals. So, this could mean reviewing the information immediately after learning it, then before going to bed, then at lunchtime the next day, then one day later, one week later, three weeks later, and so on.

Create a Story

Storytelling techniques can be deployed in a bid to memorize information or a new concept. It’s one of the key reasons that marketers use storytelling in their advertising campaigns: doing so makes them much more memorable.

Help your child come up with a simple story that incorporates elements of the information they want to memorize. There are no rules here: the story can be as silly, funny, or outrageous as they like!

Teaching the Topic

Sometimes, the best way to fix information in our memory is by teaching it to someone else. It works so well as this process engages different parts of the brain, boosting working memory, cognitive flexibility, and language skills, to give neural networks a powerful workout!

Suggest your child explain the topic or things they want to remember to you, describing it as clearly and concisely as possible. Simply explaining a concept aloud helps fix it in the mind. They could also try creating a journal or blog, both of which are good ways to organize and clarify information.

Daily Habits to Boost Memory

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There are lots of great habits you and your kids can practice to boost your memory skills at home. Simple things like getting enough sleep, eating a nutritious diet, staying hydrated, and managing stress all play an important role in our cognitive function, including how well we store and access memories. Research has found there’s a strong connection between health and lifestyle and activity in working memory brain areas, pointing to the fact that physical and mental wellness is reflected in cognitive function.

Stress can hamper our ability to focus, and children are just as vulnerable to this as adults. Try these stress management techniques to help your kid both feel better and focus:

• Encourage kids and teens to take short breaks when studying to relax and recharge. This is great to both enhance general wellness and make it more likely they’ll retain the information they’re revising.
• Teach your child mindfulness techniques, which help them remain in and focus on the present moment. This is often an effective way to break free from a negative cycle of thoughts and put things into perspective.
• Ensure your child is getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and eating a nutritious diet.
• Create and nurture an environment of open communication at home; encourage your kid to talk about how they’re feeling, and maybe share your own experiences of dealing with stress and the techniques that have worked for you (as appropriate and relevant).
• Make time for fun! If your child has exams on the horizon, this is likely to be a particularly stressful time. Although they may be tempted to spend every spare hour revising and studying, be sure to create time and opportunities to have some fun, whether this is a family movie or board game night, or getting out to the park or pool.
• Suggest your child try journaling to express their feelings and alleviate stress. Writing about things we’re grateful for has also been found to increase well-being and soothe feelings of anxiety and depression.

Technology-Aided Learning

The Kids360 app

As well as the above learning strategies and focus techniques for kids, there are a range of apps available to help support memory skills.

LogicLike

LogicLike is an educational app with thousands of puzzles, riddles, and logic games designed to boost kids’ memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. The content is structured by age and difficulty level, making it suitable for children as young as 5 through their early teens. It’s a fun way for kids to practice reasoning and quick recall while keeping learning interactive and engaging.

Memorado

This app incorporates 24 brain-boosting games and 720 difficulty levels, and is designed to enhance memory, concentration, logic, and reaction. It also features a meditation exercise to help kids relax and promote mental well-being.

Bitsboard

Bitsboard is an award-winning app that allows kids to create their own flashcards to support their learning and memory skills. You’ll also find a wide range of engaging, educational games, which can be tailored to mainstream or special learning requirements.

Kids360

This popular parental-control app also incorporates lots of developmental and educational tasks for kids—there are over 4,600 to choose from. Parents can even customize their own tasks, allowing their children to earn, for example, extra screen time. Over 100,000 educational tasks are completed by kids every day on the Kids360 app.

What makes this app really stand out is that, as well as its brain-boosting activities, parents can also use it to monitor and limit their child’s screen time and create a balanced study schedule.

Keiki

An app to support fast memorization and make learning easier in general, Keiki leverages the power of visual perception and interactivity. Kids can use the app to learn at their own pace, with the tool also promoting focus, concentration, and self-learning.

MentalUp

MentalUp offers a variety of memory games, puzzles, and brain teasers. Kids can earn “coins” as they complete each game, helping to keep them engaged, and there are plenty of difficulty levels to keep kids challenged.

Lumosity

Great for teens, this app is packed with puzzles and games to promote memory, logic, math skills, and more. The tasks are challenging, and new activities are generated daily to keep your child engaged and their skills growing.

Memory Games for Kids

From Kindergarten Learning Games, the Memory Games for Kids app challenges kids to solve puzzles in the least number of moves possible, and allows children to compete with their parents, siblings, or friends to make things even more exciting!

How Parents Can Support Their Children’s Memorization Efforts

Need some practical hints and tips to support your child’s study sessions and help them memorize the information they’re learning? Try these!

Create the Right Environment

The first step is creating an environment conducive to study. This means providing your child with an environment with limited (or no) distractions and a calm vibe. To this end, designate a quiet location in your home where your child is unlikely to be disturbed by noise or others passing by. The lighting needs to be good, to prevent eye strain and fatigue, and the seating comfortable. You may wish to incorporate relaxing colors, such as soft greens and blues, and create a sanctuary atmosphere with plants, favorite books, cushions, and cherished photos.

Make sure the study space is adequately stocked with the stuff your child will need, such as pens and pencils, highlighters, notebooks, and file folders. It’s also a good idea to encourage your kid to tidy up and organize the space at the end of each study session, so it’s clear and ready to go next time.

Make a Schedule

Creating a routine or study schedule with (or for) your child is one of the best ways to ensure their revision sessions stay on track. A planner—either of the physical or digital kind—can be really helpful with this. Being able to see when and what they’ll be studying on any given day or week can make things seem less overwhelming and allow you to set achievable milestones.

Try Time Blocking Methods

Try introducing time blocking techniques to your child to support their study session. This method involves allocating specific tasks to dedicated time slots and can help with focus by preventing constant switching between tasks.

Alternatively, they may wish to try the Pomodoro Technique, a time management method that breaks up tasks into 25-minute blocks, each separated by a five-minute break. Fans of this technique say its benefits include reducing fatigue and increasing concentration.

Make the Most of Time Management Memorization Techniques

You may also wish to suggest your child or teen try out a time management technique that’s specifically geared to boost memory, such as the 7-3-2-1 method. Designed to break study sessions into manageable chunks, the 7-3-2-1 technique involves studying for 7 minutes, taking a 3-minute break, reviewing the information studied for 2 minutes, and then spending 1 minute summarizing the key points.

Motivate Kids to Memorize and Learn

Motivation can be a powerful factor in encouraging kids to keep going with their studying. Make the most of this by celebrating progress and offering plenty of encouragement and praise. You may want to introduce a system of goal setting and offering small rewards for successful study sessions. Keeping a positive mindset is key, and this links to general well-being. Use the tips we talked about above to help keep your child’s stress levels down and their study-life balance harmonious.

Making Memories: Helping Kids and Teens Study Effectively

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Today, digital parenting is one of the inherent challenges of parenthood in general. Whether keeping kids safe online or figuring out the best way to support their learning and memorization, digital tools and tech play a crucial role.

Check out some of the apps and online tools available to boost kids’ memory and cognitive skills, and be sure to create a study environment that’ll give your child or teen the best chance of processing and retaining the information they need. The memory techniques and methods we’ve outlined above are also key tools in the study arsenal—and as well as helping your child to memorize, you may find them useful, too!

FAQs

How can I memorize anything quickly?

There are several techniques to memorize information quickly. These include chunking, which involves splitting information into small groups, using mnemonics (such as rhymes or acronyms), or visualization strategies. The latter could include creating a memory palace, to “place” the things to be remembered in specific locations around an imaginary house or other familiar space.

What is the 7 3 2 1 method of memorization?

The 7-3-2-1 method is a learning and time management strategy that divides study and break periods into set chunks. The idea is to study for 7 minutes, take a break for 3 minutes, review the information learned for 2 minutes, and summarize the main points for 1 minute.

How to memorize in 5 minutes?

To memorize something in five minutes, you could try building a memory palace, creating an acronym or rhyme, or splitting the information into small groups (chunking). In terms of the latter, the items in each group should have a connection or association with each other.

What is the 2 7 30 rule for memory?

The 2-7-30 rule can be an effective way to boost memory skills. The idea of this method is, when learning new information, to challenge yourself to recall it two, seven, and 30 days after first trying to memorize it.

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