I read a lot of articles on the internet, most of them have something to do with how the brain learns and holds information. We are lucky to be teaching in the 21st century where research is published daily about the brain. I find this absolutely fascinating, and follow several brain-related publications.
Recently I read this article, Want to hold onto a Memory? Make a Fist. It tells about a study about clenching fists to help the memory. First, a learner should clench the right fist for 45 seconds to activate the encoding part on the left side of the brain. (Left-handed people do the opposite.)
Then, clenching the left fist will help recall the information.
Although there is a lot of research to be done on this area, I've been suggesting to my students to clench their "writing hand" fist while saying a series of facts, for example: the "plus 3s". It would sound like this:
3+0=3 3+1=4 3+2=5 3=3+6 3+4=7
3+5=8 3+6=9 3+7=10 3+8=11 3+9=12
Then, they can sit down and write them while clenching their non-writing hand.
Of course, they might need some fun help with the clenching.
The crowd-pleaser collection:
For the sports fans:
For geography enthusiasts: (These are my favorite!)
I started using the term "punch out the facts" to remind the children to make a fist!
Even if this recent research doesn't pan out, there are plenty of brain strategies that will help the children learn their facts:
1. Talking!
Saying the fact out loud helps!
2. Visuals!
As they read the facts, they are using visuals to help the memory!
3. Movement!
As they clench each fist, they are physically engaged!
4. Repetition!
As they repeat each fact, they are making more connections in the brain!
Here's a resource that lists all the addition and subtraction facts the children need to learn.
Here's a resource that lists all the addition and subtraction facts the children need to learn.
Most other math skills depend upon this basic knowledge!