TRAINING THE MEMORY
The memory is the most used of all the faculties, therefore it is very important that it should have special attention and training. Almost every exercise in the First Book, while developing the other faculties, used the memory in some manner. It is necessary for the success of most mental operations. Memory influences thought, and contributes to character development.
A good memory is the greatest aid to the student at any age. Lack of knowledge of how to use and improve the memory has been a great handicap in the life of most of us. It is no longer necessary for your children to be continuously dependent upon the operation of the memory, without knowing how to properly use it. From this book you will get a practical understanding of how to develop this faculty for them.
The young child has little conception of the importance of Memory. Do not use your time trying to impress the value of memory upon him, but rather in helping him to do the things which will result in the development of this faculty. By training the child's memory you can endow him with the knowledge and capacity which will be an ever increasing source of profit, and for which he will never cease to thank you.
To start your children in life with a trained and dependable memory is a greater endowment than a perfunctory education or even a fortune.
This is not only your privilege but your duty. The decision to do so must be yours. At first the principal effort and persistence must come from you. Follow carefully the instructions of this book and you will have no difficulty in accomplishing this desirable result.
First read the entire book, then apply the ideas and exercises according to the age of the child. Let the children advance as rapidly as they can master the work. Do not over urge them, or make the work tedious. Above all, see that the children understand the principles and apply them to all of their activities.
Memory is largely a habit. See to it that your children acquire this habit early.
Let your effort be continuous and not spasmodic. Ten minutes a day is far better than an hour once a week.