Last month I discussed physical activity and cognition. Exercise, especially cardio-vascular, vigorous movement has been shown to improve brain function. This makes sense as more oxygen-rich blood flows to the brain to stimulate alertness leading to enhanced focus and comprehension. I know that many of my most creative thoughts and imaginings explode when I am out on a jog or gliding through the water at the pool. I hope you and your children and grandchildren explored this brain-stimulating possibility.
In addition to exercise toss in music for that extra vigor that accompanies rhythm and rhyme. Music arouses brain cells in an extraordinary way. Ringing notes tend to calm the nerves or excite the mind and it seems that most often the body responds with motions and gesticulations. Is it possible to listen to Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" without peace seeping inside as exasperation is exhaled? Are you able to sit motionless as the Beatles belt out a familiar tune? We respond to the sound, the anticipation of the next rift, and the soothing sensation that sets in or the memorable words that jump out. Flip on a favorite song right now and notice how your heart and mind respond.
And so it is with learning. When we add musical notes or streaming abbreviations and acronyms, we remember. I taught thousands of students French over the years and while I am certain that many can no longer conjugate the verbs avoir and etre, I bet they can still sing "Sur Le Pont d'Avignon" and "La Plume de Ma Tante" with nary a break. I hope as they sing they envision that delightful bridge in southern France and the silly desk of my dear aunt. If so, then they have captured some of the magic of learning and cognitive response.
The same reaction may extend to well-memorized conversations. Ah! The value of repetition. I still recall my high school Spanish teacher and "Que te passa esta vez? Te perdiste?" Now to my Spanish friends, I may have the spelling wrong, but I can still shout out those words. In essence, a little bit of music, rhythm, and rhyme and repeated practice cause words and thoughts to stick to the brain forever. You may recall my description of my sister Carole, lost in the depths of Alzheimer's disease with conversation gone as she became unaware of my name or relationship, but she could still sing every word of "Silver Bells" with no "da-dee-da" for forgotten words. She remembered them all.
Another trick is a catchy phrase in helping one remember. Just ask any student who had Georgette Olsen for algebra about Order of Operations and I know they will respond: My Dear Aunt Sally! Why is it easier to remember the sweet relative better than "Multi-plication, Division, Addition, Subtraction"? It seems that we should stick to mathematical terminology, however, this tool appears to work very well. So the next time you are trying to help your child remember a certain series of words or an explanation, try the above method: Mary Eats Biscuits translates to the grocery list of Milk Eggs Bread.
A final idea for recall is an acronym or letters to replace words. The world is stuffed with these so you have to be careful. After all what is the SSL, NDADS, or TFAD? I get lost in the letter jungle and so do many others. Too many of these lead to confusion but just a few can be very beneficial. I like to write out the words and to read them from others so AFAIK while short is not the same as: "As Far As I Know
. And H is just so the same feeling as a hug. But these are useful for speeding things along while still conveying a message. Acronyms and abbreviations can become so commonplace, however, that pretty soon we forget what they mean. A niece was explaining her high school trip to New Zealand where other students asked her, "What does the DC in Washington, DC stand for?" She had no idea and even if she had been able to come up with District of Columbia, she was befuddled as to why a district rather than a state. This probably puzzles many citizens.
This month while you are out on your brisk walk or road-pounding run, blast out a song as you recite the Periodic Chart. The magic of your inner being will unfold and on the test: A+.[[In-content Ad]]
