Mnemonic Strategy 1

How the Brain Learns: Mnemonic Reflection

Kristina Ebner
The Masters College
May 2014

After completing the assignment on chunking and writing my reflection, I realized the
method I used tied into a mnemonic as well. I had only read the chapter as far as the chunking
section before creating and implementing the strategy in my group. As I began reading about
mnemonics I found it rather entertaining because I had tied that method in with my chunking
work. It actually made it simpler to create a mnemonic task though because I could already see
the positive results it delivered.
Many of the students in my reading intervention program are stuck on the doubling rule
in our Lexia reading program as well as on spelling tests and writing assignments. There are four
rules for doubling in spelling, for example step to stepping. The rules are as follows. Is the
base word one syllable? Does the base word end in a single consonant? Does the base word have
a short vowel sound? And the last one, does the suffix start with a vowel? That is a lot of
information for them to remember in order to know if they need to double. We created a
Reduction Mnemonic to help them remember the steps. Our Mnemonic was SEVS which
stood for syllable, ending, vowel and suffix. The kids practiced what each letter stood for, we
played a game where I held up the letter cards and they told me which step it meant and they also
tried creating a rhythmic mnemonic. They actually surprised me with their rhyming ability and I
can only take partial credit for our rhyme. Some students liked the reduction to help with
retention while others felt the rhyme helped them more. I let them choose which one to use, but
Mnemonic Strategy 2
they had to show me they could say or explain it after a couple days of practicing. Each of them
did it for the most part and the correct spelling increased greatly! Their spelling both with the
doubling rule and just spelling in general saw improvement. I think our focus on words, rhymes
and creating ways to help your memory (we discussed memory and the brain in detail ) helped
them become more successful.


Reduction Mnemonic:
S: Single syllable
E: Ends in a single consonant
V: Short vowel in base word
S: Suffix starts with short vowel
SEVS

Rhyming Mnemonic:
Base word one syllable, when trying to double.
If the vowels short, we stay outta trouble.
One consonant ending, keeps the rules met.
If the suffix starts with a vowel, we are all set!