What is a Memory Statement? (And what do I do with it?)
/You may have noticed my post about how to assemble a memory statement board but still remained all-together confused or overwhelmed by what a memory statement even IS. Memory statements fill the pages of all Gentle + Classical programs, so I want to make sure you understand WHAT they are and how to implement them in your homeschool!
Memory statements are an idea that seems to have sprung from the more modern ideas of classical education and have been made popular by a popular community-based curriculum program. However, if we dig more deeply, we find that the notion of a “memory statement” is rooted in Charlotte Mason and true (historical) classical education.
In the Charlotte Mason philosophy, we simply refer to them as recitations:
“Recitation and committing to memory are not necessarily the same thing, and it is well to store a child’s memory with a good deal of poetry, learnt without labour…. attempt only a little, and let the poems the child learns be simple and within the range of his own thought and imaginations.” -Charlotte Mason
While we call them “memory statements,” our aim is not actual memorization. We could easily call them “memory recitations” or simply “recitations.” These statements represent an opportunity to dwell on a beautiful thought and store them up inside of our hearts. Memory statements are an opportunity to “see and say beauty” (as outlined in The Gentle + Classical Preschool 2nd edition- coming June 2021).
We recite poetry, nursery rhymes, scripture, catechism, virtue definitions, and math facts which are beautiful, meaningful reflections of God, and thusly plant true, good, and beautiful notions into hearts and minds.
So the question is- should we “memorize” these recitations? The answer lies in your own personal philosophy. You will find that scripture and catechisms (basic questions and answers about our Christian faith or an early apologetics foundation, if you will) are the most beautiful of all of our recitations and thusly are recited for several weeks to ensure that over time, they are truly written on our hearts.
Other recitations like counting to 10 are recited for weeks on end, as they reflect God’s order and are fundamental to early math literacy.
Recitations like the “About Me” or “Manners, Hygiene, and Safety” (found in The Gentle + Classical Preschool and Gentle + Classical Kindergarten) are statements that give words to concepts your child is already experiencing in their life. Giving words to concepts our children are experiencing is an important part of our job, as this equips them with the proper language to express their own ideas, needs, or experiences. Furthermore, the memory statements included in our Gentle + Classical Nature program give our children proper names for items in nature and for the systems they observe in the world around them, granting them a greater understanding of self, and thusly the world at large.
How do I implement memory statements?
Super simple! Say a short portion of the statement to your child and have them “say it back” or “repeat after me”- whichever they seem to understand. If your child is very young, you might model this behavior with another child or adult to help them understand what “say it back” means, though most children are natural little parrots.
If your child is 2-3 years old, you might keep the “portions” that you expect them to say back to 2-word sections, slowly working through the full statement. You might also shorten any statements as needed. Example in catechism: Rather than, “What else did God make? God made all things,” feel free to say, “What else did God make? Everything (or all things).”
As your child gets older and you work on more recitations, you’ll find their ability to attend and repeat back lengthens. Expect them to be able to “repeat back” one word for every year of age. My 5-year-old can repeat back a 5-7 word statement after hearing it once. My 3-year-old can generally repeat back 3-5 words at a time.
All in all, don’t let this concept fool you. It’s more simple than it sounds but the simplicity does NOT mean that it isn’t exceedingly valuable. We are writing TRUTH upon hearts, stretching imaginations, exercising their working memories, helping them develop more advanced language skills, facilitating proper speech and cadence, and SO much more.
Wondering when to move on from a memory statement? Or how to know it’s been “mastered”? Check this out.
Wanna see a quick video? Watch below:
