Spaced repetition facts for kids

Spaced repetition is a smart way to learn and remember things, like facts or new words. It often uses flashcards to show you information. The trick is that new or harder things pop up more often. Things you already know well appear less often. This method helps your brain learn faster and remember for a long time. It uses something called the spacing effect.

Many computer programs, like Anki, use spaced repetition to help you study. But you can also do it without a computer, using a simple system called the Leitner system.

How Spaced Repetition Works

Spaced repetition is a learning method that helps you remember information for a long time. Imagine you have a bunch of facts to learn. Instead of studying them all at once, this method spreads out your study sessions.

The main idea is to review information right before you might forget it. This makes your brain work a little harder to recall the information, which helps you remember it better. It's like exercising your memory!

The Spacing Effect

This learning method uses something called the "spacing effect." This means that your brain learns and remembers things better when you review them over time, rather than trying to cram everything in at once.

For example, if you learn a new word today, you might review it tomorrow, then in three days, then in a week, and so on. The time between reviews gets longer as you remember the information better.

Using Spaced Repetition

You can use spaced repetition in a few different ways. Some people use special computer programs or apps. Others prefer to use physical flashcards and a simple system.

With Software Programs

Many people use computer programs or apps for spaced repetition. A popular one is called Anki. Here's how it generally works:

• You type in the information you want to learn, usually as a question and answer. For example, the question could be "What is the capital of France?" and the answer "Paris."
• The program shows you a question. You try to answer it in your head.
• Then, you tell the program how easy or hard it was to remember the answer.
• Based on your answer, the program decides when to show you that question again. If it was hard, you'll see it sooner. If it was easy, you'll see it much later.

Anki being used to learn Russian words.

The Leitner System

You don't need a computer to use spaced repetition! The Leitner system is a simple way to do it with physical flashcards. You use several boxes or piles for your cards.

Here’s how it works:

• Box 1: All your new cards start here.
• Box 2, 3, 4, etc.: These boxes are for cards you know better.

When you review cards from Box 1, if you get an answer right, the card moves to Box 2. If you get it wrong, it stays in Box 1 (or moves back to Box 1 from another box). Cards in Box 1 are reviewed every day. Cards in Box 2 are reviewed every two days, Box 3 every four days, and so on. This way, cards you know well are reviewed less often, saving you time!

Images for kids

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  Animation of three sessions

See also

In Spanish: Repaso espaciado para niños