Group Memorization Activity

Need to memorize a long list of people, places, or things? This fun activity is much like the Method of Loci mnemonic, but it's also a game. This activity will show you just how easy it can be to memorize a list.

First, write up a random list of ten objects for each person in your group. A sample list would look like this:

• pickle
• frog
• window
• scarecrow
• sea monster
• chicken dinner
• wallet
• carpet
• toilet paper
• banana

As you can see, you can have fun simply creating the lists! Once you have a list for every student, you'll give each person five minutes to memorize the list by making up a story.
Have students imagine themselves standing in a room of their house. Each student will create a story, using every item on the list, in sequence. A sample story for our list might go like this:

"I was standing at the refrigerator, searching for a pickle, when a frog lept from behind the milk jug."

You'll soon find that it's easy to make up a short story using the words in order. You'll also see that this makes memorizing a list incredibly easy. Students should take turns reciting their stories--while others check the lists to make sure they say the items in order.

You'll have a great laugh with this activity!