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How to Remember Things the Old-Fashioned Way!

Writer's picture: Denise MarmanDenise Marman

Think quick…what are the names of the 5 Great Lakes? You need to ponder that don’t you? The quickest way to get an answer is to Google it! I think Google is one of the most awesome tools to quickly and easily get information. However, sometimes you can’t do that. It may not be the appropriate time or place. What to do now? Guess you must do it the old-fashioned way and use your own brain!


Mnemonics (the “M” is silent)

So, what can you do to remember something of importance on your own? Since memory is the process in which information is encoded, stored, and retrieved, you need to develop a way that is easiest for you to do this. A mnemonic device is any learning technique that aids in retention of information. Mnemonics were developed in ancient Greece and cultivated by Aristotle and Plato. This method was so successful that it is still used today.

Visual Mnemonics

Acronyms (a word or name formed as an abbreviation from the initial elements in a phrase or a word) or simple visual cues (imagery) can be used. See below for examples of both. You can also learn to develop your own visuals, which gives you control in making it memorable and relevant to you.


“HOMES” is the most popular acronym used to remember the Great Lakes. Each letter in HOMES stands for a different lake, as you will see below.

H (Huron)

O (Ontario)

M (Michigan)

E (Erie)

S (Superior)


Many people get “there,” “their,” and “they’re” mixed up. Here is a way you can remember the difference:

There has the word “here” in it, which is directional.

Their is possessive, because it has the word “heir” in it.

They’re is a contraction and combines the words, “they” and “are.”


Musical Mnemonic

Most of us remember singing our ABC’s to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. That was an effective way to learn how to recite the alphabet. If you really want to have fun with this device, you can try to write a rap song which uses the words of something you are trying to remember. Rhyming words also help.



On a final note, sometimes pure and simple memorization is needed. Just read something over and over and repeat it in your mind until it sinks in. And, the good news, according to Harvard Medical School, “Regular exercise changes the brain to improve memory and thinking skills.” So, get out there and exercise!

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Contact: Denise Marman

530.863.7661

Grass Valley, California 95949

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