Developing Memory Skills (excerpts from “Developing Memory Systems by Russ Ragland“) A. Reconstruct events that trigger association by: 1. By discussing with others what was said. 2. Try to visualize what you saw. 3. Try to visualize or remember what you heard or sounds that where made. B. Make Lists--teach yourself or re-teach yourself: 1. Try making rhymes (everyone remembers the song (A-B-C-D Rhyme from childhood). 2. One word can represent many items on a list for Example: Colors of the spectrum- “ROYGBIV” --each color is represented in one word (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet). 3. Sequential numbers help put items or ideas in sequential order. (listing1,2,3,4,ect). C. Purpose--try to reconstruct the event/incident who, what, where, or when 1. Who is the event about. 2. What is the event about. 3. When did the event occur. 4. Where did the event occur. 5. Is the event more or less than something else (compare). D. When your concentration is interrupted--don't panic! 1. Take 3-5 deep, breaths...not 4-6 (not an even number but odd numbers. This does make a difference. 2. Go to the next question or topic. 3. Take a break. Relax. 4. Concentration and Memory are two different things. 5. Don't get frustrated or angry. 6. Rest, “cat naps” and full nights sleep combat memory difficulties. 7. Continue to express your self in a way others can understand you--talk slowly to collect your thought, draw a picture of what your trying to express, use sign language or motion to something. 8. Don't be hesitant to ask someone what was being said. Everyone loses their train of thought from time to time. (end)