However, strong memory skills do boost learning power. Your teen will be able to complete schoolwork and homework in a more efficient way if she has strong skills to boost her memory. Share these pointers:

• Look at the big picture. If your teen knows an upcoming test is only on Chapter Four, she will want to spend most of her time on that chapter. But she should also take a few moments to look at summaries of other chapters. This tells her how Chapter Four relates to the whole unit. Memory improves when this relationship is understood.

• Put information on index cards and review them frequently. This makes remembering small chunks of information easier.

• Focus hardest on the middle part of reading material. Our brains remember the beginning and end parts best.

• Study and then rest or sleep. The brain is never asleep. While your teen’s body is getting much needed rest, her brain will still be working on sorting out and retaining the material she fed it just before going to bed.

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