Learning a list of things through visual associations

When a child has to learn a list of things, associative learning is a good way to do this. Children think in pictures, so it is easier for them to remember information in picture format.

With this technique, your child takes any new information and associates it with something that she already knows. Counting is a good example for associative learning, explains Michael Tyner. Your child takes each number and associates a shape with the number.

So, for example, 1 = pole, 2 = swan, 3 = bird in flight, 4 = windsurfer and 5 = snake.

If your child has to remember the 5 forms of precipitation, she could associate the information with the number shapes like this:

1. Pole. See RAIN pouring down onto the pole.
2. Swan. Visualise a swan with a drop of DEW on its beak.
3. Bird. Imagine a bird shivering in the FROST.
4. Windsurfer. Picture a windsurfer sliding over SNOW.
5. Snake. Visualise a snake dodging HAIL stones.

The more visual and the crazier the association, the better is the child’s chance of remembering the list.

Also see:

How to master learning with mind maps

Learning with flash cards and the Leitner system

How to use mnemonic devices to learn and remember facts