It's amazing to think that children as young as seven will be doing SATS exams around now. Many schools do these tests in a low key way so that children don't get stressed.
If you can help your child get better at remembering things, you will be supporting them for life, not just for exams.
Dominic O'Brien is well known as World Memory Champion, having earned the title eight times over. But what's less well known is that he was an average student at school.
As a child he suffered from both Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It wasn't until adulthood that he decided to train his brain to improve his levels of concentration, focus and memory, earning him a place in the Guinness Book of Records.
Here are Dominic's memory tips, along with news of how you can receive a free brain boosting guide.
Mind maps and doodling
Drawing mind maps helps both concentration and memory. Start with a central image, draw branches representing the main themes or topics using separate colours, and label each branch with a single word, icon or drawing to reinforce the meaning
Association is 'The Engine of Memory'
The mechanism by which the memory works is called 'association', so try getting into the habit of making links between pieces of information to consolidate memories. For example, when studying Spanish - the Spanish for 'field' is 'campo', so picture a field you know well and imagine camping in that field to remind you of the word 'campo'
From Desk to Diet
Revision tips and tricks are vital, but there is truth in the saying 'you are what you eat'. Nutrition plays an important role in concentration and brain function, so eating a well balanced diet in the run up to exams is essential.
How to remember numbers
This is a simple method which involves linking a number to a shape. For example, the number 9 looks like a balloon on string, so to remember that Queen Victoria had nine children, picture her carrying a balloon and string
Acronyms
The most popular form of mnemonics (memory and learning aids), is to be found with acronyms. Use extended acronyms by creating sentences: For example, bones of the lower limb - Hip, Femur, Patella, Tibia, Fibula, Tarsal, Metatarsals, Phalanges = Help Five Policemen To Find Ten Missing Prisoners
Spelling
We all have particular spellings that we seem to find a constant struggle to remember correctly. Use imagination to help you remember correct spellings. For example - Accommodate or Accomodate? Imagine driving your Company Car to the Motorway Motel to find aCCoMModation. Look out for connections between certain patterns of letters and the meanings of the words. For example, notice the symmetry of the three Es in the word 'c E m E t E ry' - they stick out like gravestones!
For more expert tips on improving memory and brain performance for the whole family, you can request a free 'Boosting Brain Power Guide' by calling 01372 379828 or emailing info@efamol.com.