60 Second Homework

TARGETED SKILLS: Memory Skills, Independent Responsibility, Spaced Repetition, Pictorial Association

Practice makes perfect but finding a consistent time to practice with our children is difficult with busy schedules. So let’s make it short and sweet. Allow the child to take the responsibility for reviewing material on his/her own. It is called 60 second homework. Labeled pictures and drawing are displayed on a wall. The child reviews them (touches and says the fact) two or more times each day but spends no longer than 60 seconds at a time. New items will rotate in as old items rotate out.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
  • easy-to-see pictures with easy-to-read labels.
  • only 6 to 8 items on a memory wall at a time.
  • the child to review them at least twice a day.
  • to add new facts by rotating two at time.
  • to use the color red for labels.

SUGGESTED PLACES FOR YOUR MEMORY WALL:

1. Around the mirror in the bathroom (child can look at pictures and labels while brushing teeth)
   
   
2. Bedroom wall or back of bedroom door
   
   
3. Bedroom ceiling
   
   
4. Hall wall
   
   
5. Patio Door
   
   
6. Refrigerator door
   
   

SUGGESTED TOPICS AND MATERIALS:

U. S. States (free & printable but capitals must be added) http://www.eduplace.com/ss/maps/usa.html

Spelling words

Famous inventors

Basic math facts (mnemonics products for purchase) www.memorizemathfacts.com

Vocabulary Words (Yuckies and Yummies SAT Words) www.memorizemathfacts.com

Scientific terms and facts (free printables, labels needed) http://www.teachervision.fen.com/science/printable/57738.html

Works of art http://arthistory.about.com/od/coloring_pages/ig/Coloring-Pages/

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Note: Old calendars and coloring books are a good source for illustrations. Remember to add red labels.

STEPS:

1. Establish a place for memory work to be attached to.
   
   
2. Display information to be learned at the eye level of the child if possible. Sticky tack adhesive works on many surfaces.
   
   
3. After three days of reviewing the first 6 to 8 items, replace two pictures with two new ones, then every day thereafter replace the next two in line.
   
   
4. Keep a chart for the child to record each time ‘60 second homework’ is completed.
   
   
5. Praise and reward the child for being responsible as well as the accomplishment.
   
   
6. Be creative and enjoy learning along with your child.
   

FLASH CARD SOURCES:

http://havefunteaching.com/flash-cards/state-flash-cards/

http://www.carsondellosa.com/cd2/SearchCatalog.aspx?k=flash+cards+states

http://www.memorizemathfacts.com/products.asp?cat=27