I recently found the most amazing book Mapping the World by Heart by David J. Smith, that teaches students (5th grade through college) how to learn the names and locations of 190 countries in the world. And if that isn’t enough, the student is able to draw and label all the countries including rivers, mountains and major cities, starting from a blank sheet of paper!

“How is this possible?” you ask. Well, the brain remembers information, not in words, but in pictures. By drawing the shape of Africa and remembering where some of the major rivers run; students are able to begin drawing the borders of the countries and using mnemonics they remember the country’s name.

“Why is that important?” you say. Understanding the world, the countries and the people, make our children globally minded.  We need to begin thinking of our world as a village. There may be a variety of people, religions and economic differences but we are all human with the same needs and desires for our life.

“The brain remembers information, not in words, but in pictures.”

Begin with the U.S., learning to draw the outline, adding the Mississippi River and mountain ranges. Add the state boundaries and capitals. Using Memorize States & Capitals makes the process easier. But don’t stop there. Move on to the other countries in North America, Central America and South America. Hmmm…maybe I need to think of some mnemonics for remembering these countries. (This is how the seed of an idea is planted in the brain!)

I love the idea of learning and remembering with pictures. Students who draw their own maps remember 100 times better than those who only read about the location. Try it. What a great family project to do together.

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I just received the nicest comment about “Let’s Memorize States & Capitals” cards. This is why I love what I do. (Making memorizing fun.) I spent a lot of time thinking about how I could associate the state name with the capital name. I tried different stories and pictures and if I couldn’t remember them after a few weeks, out they’d go until I found the perfect match. I also love it when parents participate in the learning fun with their kids!

The state Capitals are simply amazing. I have a 6 year old son who started learning them a month ago and he already knows most of the Capitals. We work on two at a time and he actually loves them. I am learning them along with him. Before this system I could never remember them.  Sylvia

Check it out.

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I’m excited! I Just finished creating a set of cards for memorizing states and capitals using pictures and associations and I am really pleased with the result!!  Here’s a preview:

Let's Memorize States & Capitals Sample Card

This is a great way to have your children learn not only the capital for each state but it’s location.  How many of us don’t know where certain states are located?? This system makes it easy.  States are grouped by regions.  There are U.S. maps to help kids locate the states and assessment sheets to check their progress.

The reason it works so well is because there’s a memory trigger for the state name that ties in with the capital name.  Look at the sample card.  What is the capital of Washington? Washington brings to mind, “George Washington” and the picture of old George doing figure skating at the Olympics pops into your head. Now you have the reminder that the capital of Washington is Olympia.

It’s a fun way to learn! Let me know what you think.

All Memory Joggers products come with an unconditional 30-day money back guarantee.