How can you help a child remember things faster?
Wil je je kind sneller laten onthouden? Lees hoe de vergeetcurve werkt en hoe herhaling, geheugentrucs, spel en slaap helpen. Met handig leerplan.
A child remembers something faster if they briefly go over the material a few times, spread over several days, rather than once for a long time. Memory tricks, actively applying what they’ve learnt, learning through play and enough sleep strengthen that effect. The basis for this is Hermann Ebbinghaus’s forgetting curve.
What is Hermann Ebbinghaus’s forgetting curve?
Hermann Ebbinghaus was a German psychologist who carried out groundbreaking experiments on human memory in the late nineteenth century. One of his best-known contributions is the forgetting curve: it shows how quickly new information is forgotten after learning.
According to Ebbinghaus, we forget a large part of new information within a short time, unless we actively repeat it. That applies to adults, and just as much to children.
What are the basic principles of the forgetting curve?
- Rapid forgetting: immediately after learning, the amount of information you remember drops quickly.
- Stabilisation: after that, the curve levels off and forgetting slows down.
- Repetition works: by repeating at smart moments, also known as spaced repetition or spaced repetition, the curve flattens and information sticks for longer.
Every time your child repeats something at the moment it’s almost forgotten, the memory becomes stronger and it takes longer before it fades again.
How do you help a child remember something faster?
1. Repeat at smart moments
Plan several short learning moments spread over a few days rather than one long session. Ten minutes a day often works better than an hour in one evening.
2. Use memory tricks
Memory tricks, also known as memory aids or mnemonics, make remembering easier and more fun. Think of:
- rhymes and songs, such as singing the alphabet;
- acronyms where each letter stands for a word;
- a story or image linked to the information, for example turning the six times table into a little story.
3. Let your child actively use the knowledge
Children remember better when they have to recall and apply something than when they simply reread it. A short quiz, a game or having your child explain the material to you, a younger sibling or a cuddly toy works well.
4. Create a rich, calm learning environment
Variety in materials keeps curiosity alive: books, drawing, objects to hold and, in moderation, educational apps. At the same time, a tidy space without distractions helps to hold attention. Read more about this in minimalist play.
5. Learn through play
In young children, remembering happens mainly during play. A puzzle that is done more often goes faster each time because your child remembers the shapes and places. A number puzzle helps with learning to recognise numbers; see number puzzles: helping children learn to count. In role play too, such as playing shops or having a tea party, your child practises words and sequences.
6. Link it to the senses and movement
Seeing, hearing, feeling and doing something at the same time gives the memory more hooks. Let your child trace letters in sand, count while climbing the stairs or feel shapes with their eyes closed.
7. Make sure they get enough sleep and healthy food
Physical health plays a big role. During sleep, the brain processes what was learnt during the day. A well-rested and well-fed child can take in and retain information better. If your child sleeps badly after busy days, read sleep problems in children caused by overstimulation.
Example of a learning plan based on the forgetting curve
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Introduce the new material. Finish with a short quiz. |
| Day 2 | Briefly go over it again (5 to 10 minutes) and use a memory trick. |
| Day 4 | Do an active learning activity, such as a game or conversation. |
| Day 7 | Go over it again and link the material to something from everyday life. |
| Day 14 | Hold a final quiz or let your child explain the material to someone else. |
Use this schedule, for example, for spellings, times tables or geography. For younger children the same structure works with songs, colours or animal names, wrapped up in play.
Remembering by age
| Age | What works well |
|---|---|
| 1–3 years | Repetition in play and reading aloud, songs, naming what you’re doing together, simple puzzles |
| 3–6 years | Rhymes, role play, counting in everyday life, puzzles with more pieces |
| 6–12 years | Spaced repetition, self-testing, explaining to someone else, memory tricks |
Every child learns at their own pace. Are you worried about your child’s memory, language or concentration? Then discuss it with their teacher, your health visitor or the school nurse. For children who find it hard to concentrate, ADHD toys can offer tips for play.
Toys from this article
- Shape puzzle with 9 pieces: a puzzle your child learns to complete faster and faster.
- Number puzzle: for learning to recognise numbers.
- Toy tea set: for role play in which your child practises words and sequences.
Frequently asked questions
How often does a child need to repeat something to remember it?
There’s no fixed number, but a few short repetitions spread over one or two weeks work better than lots of repetitions in one day. The learning plan above is a good starting point.
What is the forgetting curve?
Hermann Ebbinghaus’s forgetting curve shows that we quickly forget new information if we don’t repeat it. By repeating at smart moments, the information sticks for longer.
Do games really help with remembering?
Yes, play means your child actively recalls and uses information, and that works better than just reading or listening. What’s more, your child is more motivated when learning is fun.
Does sleep play a role in memory?
Yes, during sleep the brain processes what was learnt during the day. A regular sleep pattern and a calm evening help your child hold on to new knowledge better.