Today's Tip for Families

05-13-2024

‘Mind Pictures’ Can Help Teens Retain Information

Sometimes, a picture really is worth a thousand words. But a picture is not always available. If that's the case for something your teen is trying to learn, encourage your student to use “mind pictures.”

Here’s how:

1. Have your teen gather class or textbook notes.
2. Ask your teen to draw a picture or a diagram that represents information in the notes. If your student doesn’t know where to start, suggest drawing the main idea in the center of the paper. Then your teen can fill in details around the main picture.
3. Ask your teen to explain the picture or diagram to you. Ask questions that will motivate your teen to include more details about the topic.
4. Ask your teen to recall the picture without looking at the paper.

When it’s time to recall information for a test, your teen can visualize the drawing. Once your teen understands the mind picture concept, it may not even be necessary to draw a picture. Your teen can just imagine drawing it.

Brought to you by:

Libby Middle/High School

[School Success Ideas for Families]

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