Brain Training · Beginner

Memory techniques: chunking, stories and the memory palace

Memory techniques turn hard-to-remember information into patterns, pictures and stories that the brain holds more easily.

Before you start

Who it's for and what to know first

None — suitable for anyone from about age 9 who wants to remember lists, facts or numbers more easily.

Learn it

Chunking: group items. 07700900123 is easier as 07700 900 123.
Story method: link items in a silly story. Milk, keys, stamps: ‘I poured milk on my keys, so I stuck stamps on them to dry.’
Mnemonics: first letters make a phrase — ‘Never Eat Shredded Wheat’ for N, E, S, W.
Memory palace: picture a familiar route and place one item at each spot.
Spaced practice: review after one day, three days and a week.

Worked example 1

Answer: Alphabet order plus a vivid picture makes all four easy to recall.

Try it online · print it · check it

Beginner · ages 9+

NameDate

Answer each question about memory techniques.

Beginner · answersAnswer key

Answer each question about memory techniques.

1.Grouping numbers into smaller blocks is called…chunking
2.Using first letters to make a phrase is called a…mnemonic
3.Placing items along a familiar route in your mind is the memory…palace
4.Is it better to revise once for 3 hours or three times over a week?three times over a week
5.Remembering 07700900461 as 07700 900 461 is an example of…chunking

Tips

Cramming the night before instead of spacing practice.
Trying a technique once and giving up. Memory methods get faster with a little regular practice.

Last reviewed: 25 September 2026