Mnemonics (ne-MOHN-iks) are memory aids. If you remember the names of the Great Lakes by spelling HOMES (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior), that’s a mnemonic.

When your child has to memorize a list, have her write the words in a vertical column. Use the first letter of the word to compose a new word or sentence that ties the items together.

Here’s an example for remembering the first 11 U.S. Presidents: When A Just Man Makes A Just Vow, He Takes Pains. (Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, (John Quincy) Adams, Jackson, Van Buren, Harrison, Tyler, Polk.)

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