Place, then retrieve

Give each object a fixed place, recall it with the list hidden, and return after a delay.

Choose a route you can follow

1 of 4

1 Gate ? 2 Bench ? 3 Pond ?
Keep the places as cues. Recall the objects yourself.

Start with a few distinct places in a familiar order. Here the route is a garden gate, a bench, then a pond. Keep the order the same each time.

Give each object one place and connect the two with an action, a sound or a short sentence. You can use words even if you do not picture a scene clearly.

Lesson help

Keep the route fixed. Recall before checking, repair missed links, and return after a delay.

About this lesson

Try the method in a practice when you are ready.

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Choose a route you can follow

Start with a few distinct places in a familiar order. Here the route is a garden gate, a bench, then a pond. Keep the order the same each time.

Give each object one place and connect the two with an action, a sound or a short sentence. You can use words even if you do not picture a scene clearly.

1 Gate ? 2 Bench ? 3 Pond ?
Keep the places as cues. Recall the objects yourself.

Make each place a cue

Imagine a drum booming whenever the gate swings, a kite pulling the bench upward, and a boot splashing in the pond. Each action connects an object to its place.

After learning the three links, hide the object list. Visit gate, bench and pond in your mind and recall what happens at each. Then check the list and repair any missing link.

1 Gate Drum 2 Bench Kite 3 Pond Boot
One object at each stop, in a fixed order.

Return with the objects hidden

You come back the next day to the same set. The places are familiar, but you have not opened the object list. Choose the first step that checks what you still remember.

After your attempt, use a clue or check an answer if you need it. Keep that help separate from what you recalled before looking. A retry after feedback is useful practice, too.

1 Gate ? 2 Bench ? 3 Pond ?
Keep the places as cues. Recall the objects yourself.

Try it

When you return tomorrow, what should you do first?

  1. Read the object list again before trying to recall.
  2. Follow the route with the list hidden, then check.
Show the answer

Follow the route with the list hidden, then check.

Yes. Recall first, then check and repair a missing link. Returning after a delay lets you compare that attempt with what you remembered earlier.

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Practice Memory Palace