Miller's Mind training for children Book 2 (of 3) / A practical training for successful living; Educational games that train the senses

by William Emer Miller

Remembering Errands

After the child has become familiar with the Code List he will be able to use the words in a very practical way in remembering errands and lists of groceries, etc. The objects of the list can easily be recalled in exact sequence, and can now become Mental Hitching Posts to which any errand or runaway idea may be safely hitched for future usefulness. The thing to be remembered can be pictured with the object of the Code list and when wanted it is simply necessary to recall the word of the Code list and it will in turn recall the thing visualized with it.

Let us take a practical example. You are sending the child to the grocery store with an order. The first item is a loaf of Bread. Have him picture this with the first word of the Code list, Tie. Take the Tie and bind the loaf of Bread with it, tying a huge bow with the ends moving in the wind. See this picture clearly, the color of the tie and the shape and details of the loaf of Bread. Of course the Child is to make his own picture wherever possible. A boy would probably use one end of the tie around the loaf and swing the other over his shoulder.

The second item is a package of Matches. See the box lying on the Snow, which is the second word of the Code. Let the box be open and some of the Matches burning, see the black ends of the Matches in contrast with the white snow.

The third item is a box of Raisins. The third code word is Home. See the box open and the Raisins spilling all over the Home.

The next item is Potatoes and the code word Wire. Have him imagine a sharpened wire on which he is stringing the Potatoes.

The next item is a glass of Jelly and the next code word Wheel. See the large Wheel run over the jelly and break the glass.

The next item is Flour and the code word Sash. Drop some Flour over a new red Sash.

The seventh item is Coffee and the seventh code word is Egg. Break the Egg and spill it all over the Coffee.

The eighth item is Butter and the code word ivy. Hang the Butter on the Ivy and see it swinging there.

The ninth item is Soap and the ninth code word is Whip. Stand the soap on end and strike it with the Whip—see the lash wind around the Soap.

The tenth item is a can of Corn and the code word is Toes. Let the boy imagine himself balancing a can of Corn on his Toes.