The alphabet style peg list has been around a long time and for good reason. By just having knowledge of your language’s alphabet, you have one of the most versatile memory tools at your disposal.

As most effective memory techniques, the alphabet list is all about having your students create images for each letter.

For students, especially the younger ones, starting with food is never a bad idea. For example, a=apple, b=banana, c=carrot, etc.

Another good idea, and one that dates back hundreds of years, is a bestiary, or a list of animals. Most everyone has a favorite animal or two, and kids are certainly no different.

An example of a bestiary would be a=aardvark b=bear, c=cat, etc.

Another popular version is the celebrity list. Mine begins with Alex Lifeson, moves on to Bob Newhart, then to C-3PO, and so on.

I would love to hear your ideas for other lists, as would MANY other mnemonists out there, so don’t forget to share your ideas in the comments below.

TIPS

• Remember, sensory details are key. Assigning an apple for the letter a is fine, but what does the apple llook like? Is it green or red? Does it have a bite out of it? Is it rotten? You get the idea.
• In my experience, students like to put together a food list their favorite food (I recommend to my students to use food they DON’T like as well. It tends to be more memorable for some).
• Whether you are using animals, food, or celebrities (or any thing else you can think of!), try to make it as individualized as possible. I personally use all three, and in some cases, have several for each. The more you use it, the more likely you will desire to have some backup images.

This peg list, like many peg lists, is fully customizable, so do your own thing with it.

Whether you are using animals, food, or celebrities (or anything else you can think of!), try to make it as individualized as possible. I personally use all three, and in some cases, have several for each. The more you use it, the more likely you will desire to have some backup images.

Keep in mind that you are NEVER stuck with any image, and you can use as many as needed.

This peg list, like many peg lists, is fully customizable, so do your own thing with it. Just don’t forget to share!

Once you have the list(s) ready, you can put them to use in the Lessons page of this site.

If you ever have any questions about how to use these tools, please use the contact form and let us know. Not only will we respond, but it may just be the next post we publish.

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