A few months ago I told you several of my favorite tricks for making memorization fun and easy. If you missed it, check out Memorization Made Fun and Easy – Part 1.
The last few days I have been working on refining the system. I need a fast way for the kids to choose a funny voice and/or action. It must be quick. It must be portable. (We use many of these memory ideas at our local Classical Conversations Community. I need to be able to cart it back and forth from the house to the church and vice versa.)
Last year we used homemade dice. A creative genius in the CC world made a printable die pattern that had several of these funny voices/actions on them. The kids would roll the die and say their memory work in that voice. The dice were great except for one thing: they squish easily. Within a week of their introduction into our homeschool, they were as flat as a pancake. Admittedly, my boys are hard on things. But, it is what it is. I have flat dice.
The hunt was on. How could I keep the same concept, yet make it more durable?
My Solution
I wrote all of the funny voices and actions on popsicle sticks with permanent marker.
Place all of the popsicle sticks inside a bag.
While practicing his memory work, have him draw a stick out of the bag.
Have him recite his work using the chosen funny voice or action.
Close the bag and store……until next time!
It’s fun. It’s quick. It’s easy. It’s portable. Voila!
This looks like a lot of fun. I had a thought about the dice you mentioned–I have made custom dice before by using 1 inch wooden cubes (they are sold as math manipulatives) and just writing things on each of the 6 sides. Might be another option for your memory work review.
Sarah,
That is a great idea! I haven’t ever seen wooden cubes! I will have to look for them!
Thanks for sharing!
Jennifer
I think this is what I have:
http://www.rainbowresource.com/product/sku/024860/69841520dc38d2850e7396c9
Thank you! That is a wonderful idea! I am coming up with all kinds of ways to use those for homeschool! Thanks!
I love this idea and will be using it as often as possible. Thank you.
Jessieca,
You’re welcome!!
Jennifer