Mnemonic Device
Overview
A mnemonic device is one creative way to organize information, such as through acronyms or rhyming, to aid in this Short- and Long-term Memory development.
Example: Use This Strategy In in the Classroom
Design It into Your Product
Use It in the Classroom
Watch how this elementary class uses rhythm and movement to remember the UNRAAVEL strategy for reading. Through this multisensory mnemonic device, students are able to independently recall all of the steps of this reading process.
Design It into Your Product
Products that support reading development can learn from how language learning tools such as Dr. Moku use mnemonic devices. Coupling visuals and silly sentences with Japanese characters helps students learn the information in a memorable way that makes what they have learned much easier to retrieve.
Learn More
- Explore the Cognition & Memory topic on Digital Promise's Research Map.
- Explore the Prospective Memory subtopic on Digital Promise's Research Map.
- Explore the Retrieval Practice subtopic on Digital Promise's Research Map.
Additional Resources
Additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
Factors Supported by this Strategy
More External Memory Aids Strategies
Easy access to common words promotes sight word recognition as students see the words repeatedly.
Rhyming, alliteration, and other sound devices reinforce language development by activating the mental processes that promote memory.
Providing instructions in multiple formats allows students to activate different cognitive skills to understand and remember the steps they are to take.
Cards with strategies for managing emotions help students remember how to act when faced with strong feelings.
Providing a story map ahead of time or having students create a map during or after reading helps learners understand and practice Narrative Skills.
A word wall helps build Vocabulary for reading fluidity.
