Since childhood, many of us have learned to remember things using a phrase or word in sequences or rhythms…an example being learning the letters of the alphabet by singing the “alphabet song”. This is called “mnemonics“. Growing older tests our memory power in so many ways!

Try these simple mnemonic examples to discover how the brain pieces things together. Fill in the blanks to complete the phrases.

• One, two, _____ my shoe. Three, _____, open the ______.   Five, ______, pick up ______.  Seven, eight _____  them ______. Nine, ten a _____ _____ _____.
• Red ____ in the ________, sailor take  _______.   Red sky ___  ____, sailor’s _____.
• Sing:  Are you _______, are you ________, Brother _____?  Brother ____?  Morning ______ are ______. Morning ______ are ringing. Ding, ____, ______.

Did the exercises sound familiar? What words, rhythms, or music have helped you to remember things? Don’t have any? Try making some up of your own!