Numbers are not only for mathematics. This week let’s look at another interesting way of improving your memory. After ‘Mnemonic Devices’, ‘Chunking’ and ‘Memory Palace’ it is now time to learn ‘Magic in Number Rhymes’. If I were to walk into a room full of kids and ask what they found most difficult to remember in history, a chorus would most probably say, dates! And no we are not talking about the delicious ones we get to eat from the Middle East.
So, how do we solve the complex problem of remembering dates in history? The most fun method of doing it is by using the ‘Number Rhyme Method’.
How does the ‘Number Rhyme Method’ work?
1. The associations are made based on the previous knowledge of the learner. So we connect new information to information that the learner already knows.
2. The order of the numbers always remains the same. We do not need to learn two sets but only one set of information in the correct order.
Step 1
Learn the number rhymes for the numbers. It is best to learn the list given here, as these are words put together after a lot of research. You may substitute the words but keep them simple.
0- Hero
1- Bun
2- Shoe
3- Tree
4- Door
5- Hive
6- Sticks
7- Heaven
8- Skate
9- Vine
10- Hen
Step 2
Now that you have learnt the list, write the date that you wish to remember along with its corresponding rhymes.
If the year you want to remember is 1857, then 1857 = Bun, Skate, Hive and Heaven.
Step 3
This is the most creative part as you need to link the numbers to the rhyming words and make a story out of it. For example, imagine a British soldier eating a bun (one) and skating (eight). But the poor guy dashes into a hive (five) and finally is stung so badly that he reaches heaven (seven). So what you have just done is substituted the numbers with rhyming words and these words have been woven together into a story.
What should you keep in mind?
A word of caution - Considering how easy the method is, you may make mistakes while using it.
You must keep two things in mind. Firstly, the order of the numbers and therefore the rhymes have to be followed so that the story also maintains the same order. For example, you cannot move the words around in the story. You cannot say that the British soldier was skating first and then eating a bun. If you do that then the date will also change.
Secondly, make the story relevant to the date that you are trying to remember and its event. For example, this date corresponds to the Revolt of 1857. It will not make sense for the rhyming words to have a story that is not related to the event.
What are the other places where you can use this memory device?
In places that you have to remember long lists in their correct order - For example, the list of British Governor Generals. Associate each general with the rhyming word and make an interesting story around him. You can now transfer your love for maths towards your love for remembering dates in history. And this examination, surprise your history teacher by getting all the dates right!
(The author has over two decades of teaching experience in well-established schools)
