Mnemonic Devices Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: L.6 and L.7

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

Put in simple terms a mnemonic device is a method that we use to remember something that we deem to be at least mildly complex. In reality they are shortcuts for our brains to recall and retrieve information quickly. They come in many different forms, probably the most often used being acronyms. An acronym is a word where each letter of the word represents a word found within a phrase. For example, the acronym FBI stands for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Images also serve as powerful mnemonic devices for representing concepts. This is where the use of graphic organizer originated from. Rhyming creates a memorable harmony that students will often use to remember concepts and terms. These worksheets will explore how mnemonic devices can be used to heighten your recall and help you retain information.

Mnemonic Devices Worksheets To Print:

Types - This worksheet helps students understand each of the forms that exist and then asks them if they know an example of each.

Matching - Match each type of mnemonic to its description and then determine which is the best for you.

Active Exercise - Try to think of several different options. Play around with it until you come up with something memorable, and have fun!

Yeah, Well Know! - This is just an exercise on helping students remember position and order. Do not be critical on the Pluto issue.

Remembering Things in Order - You will put this technique to use for you.

More Planets - This one gets a bit more visual.

Lists - Write the list you want to remember in the left-hand column. Then try to think of two mnemonics that will help you to remember your list.

Brainstorm Ideas - Could the first letters of each word form a name? What are some easy to remember words that begin with the same letters as the words you are trying to remember? Can you put them together into a sentence?

Spelling - Yes, these tools can help you become a better speller.

Rainbow - We walk you through the steps to remember the colors of the rainbow, in order.

Planners - Use only as many rows as you need. Set up your planner as in the example that is provided.

Spelling Part 2 - We get to the next level with this one and put it in play.

Coupling Information - Can I associate a picture with this information?

Taxonomy - We go all in on science here and work on the order of living things.

Ask Yourself Progression - These are all the steps you are going to want to take to create these devices from scratch for yourself.

What are Mnemonic Devices?

A Mnemonic device, or in layman's terms, a memory device, is any technique that helps better retain and remember things. Mnemonic is derived from the Greek word 'mnemonikos,' which means 'relating to memory.' Mnemonics is, in fact, an age-old way of remembering things, known today as the 'Art of Memory.' Natural memory is the memory that we are born with and use. Artificial memory is a skill that one needs to develop and learn by practicing various forms of mnemonic devices.


There are 7 basic types of mnemonic devices.


Using Music


Music is an effective and powerful way to bind long lists to memory. Anyone can remember lyrics to countless songs yet find it effortless to do so. Similarly, long lists can be converted into jingles and rhymes to remember them better. An example of this is the ABC song, helping kids learn the alphabet at a very young age.


Using Names


In name mnemonics, the first letter of a list of things is used to name a person or thing. Consider the following example:


ROY G. VIB = colors of the rainbow spectrum (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Violet, Indigo, and BLUE)


Using Terms of Expression


This technique is the most commonly used way to memorize things. It is used by converting the first letter of a list of items into a word or a phrase, such as:


- In English, the 7 conjunctions are the words, for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so; these can be easily remembered by the word "FANBOYS."


- In Mathematics, the order of operations is Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiply, Divide, Add and Subtract, which are easier to recall by the phrase, "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally."


Using Models


Model mnemonics represent data in a displayed construction form, making it easier to recall stats or sequences, such as a pyramid model of stages, a pie chart, and a 5-box sequence.


Using Rhymes


A rhyme mnemonic is when information is put in the form of a poem for better learning.


Consider the following simple poem for using the letters "I" and "e" in a word:

I before e except after c
or when sounding like a
in neighbor and weigh


Look at the following words with different positioning of the letters:


Receive
Relieve


Using Note Organization


This practice helps memorize lectures by organizing one's notes using basic techniques.


Two examples of better organizing notes are:


1. Notecards: we can use note cards to summarize lengthy lectures into main ideas and put down relevant details.


2.Outlines: outlines are used to distinguish between main ideas and details.


Using Images


Image mnemonics is the practice of constructing a picture that helps recall the related information. Artistic ability is irrelevant as long as one knows what the image is concerning. The sillier the image is, the easier it is to remember.


For example, meeting someone new at an event named John Horsley. To remember the name better, we can imagine a horse sitting on a john; not a nice image but highly effective for memorizing.