Method:

1. Build the framework:

By using the following table, you can set up the permanent reference points that you will be using when you make the associations

The table lists the numbers 1 to 10, and a word that rhymes with each number, together with a suggested image. Please commit the rhymes to memory whilst off-line, and create a mental picture of each item using your mind's eye. Please do not proceed further through the exercise until you are sure that you have done this. I have deliberately not shown any images, nor given suggestions, as it is your own image that must be used.

Are you certain that you can recall a word and your image for each number, and vice versa?

Here is a quick self-test. Ask yourself the question, then click on the link to see if you're correct. When you follow the link, the answer will then give you a link back to this test.

What is peg 5? answer

What is heaven? answer

What are sticks? answer

What is peg 9? answer

Here is a list of 10 objects that I thought of at random today. When I was doing this, I was aware that readers might think that I had chosen these words deliberately, but this is not the case, in fact it shows that the reader is already getting into the habit of making visualisations.

What next? - Make the connections

Take a minute or so to visualise the new item to be remembered interacting with your familiar peg item. Don't just think of it, actually picture the new object with your familiar object.

I find that the best mental images are created by making the picture appear funny or outrageous.

Perhaps use a cartoon-style to exaggerate one or more features of the object.

Don't move on to the next item in the list until that image is firmly fixed.

To start you off, I thought of a bun containing a traditional black and white football as a filling! Crazy, I know, but it works to form a mental image for 1. For salt, I imagined a shoe filled to brimming with salt, so much salt that it was overflowing.

Now make your own pictures, and remember to make them big, funny, silly etc.

Does it work?

To see if you created good images, why not try another self test?!

Ask yourself the question, then click on the link to see if you're correct. When you follow the link, the answer will then give you a link back to this test.

What was item 3? answer

What item number was the moon? answer

What was item 10? answer

What item number was the clock? answer

What was item 5? answer

item 3 was dolphin

(hopefully you pictured a dophin with a tree!)

back to self test 2

The moon was item 8

(hopefully you pictured the moon with a gate)

back to self test2

Item 10 was newspaper

(all being well, this was a newspaper with a hen)

back to self test2

The clock was item number 6

(clock with sticks)

back to self test2

Item 5 was telephone

(telephone with hive)

Are you impressed with your ability? I know that I was when I first tried this out.

Well done!

The amazing thing is that if you have created good images, you will still remember them a week or a month from now, in fact they will probably stay put until you have to use the system again!

Have fun.