Did you know that every child has a photographic memory? It's true. Photographic memory has to do with the right hemisphere of the brain. Contrary to the logical left hemisphere which consciously reviews all incoming information, the right hemisphere takes images in quickly--at a rate of more than seven images per second. This information is stored in long-term subconscious memory. When the images stored in the subconscious memory are pleasant, then the child can retrieve the information easily.



Teaching photographic memory techniques is a joyful process. It is done simply through playing games. However, sometimes there are blocks to a child's ability to recall information. Particularly when they have been exposed to hours of TV, DVDs, computers and video games. When working with older children who have already been exposed to many, many images, sometimes you need to download other overriding images first. If a child is given time and space when relaxing before any type of learning experience, these images will immediately come to mind for processing. A parent or teacher can patiently listen while the child independently pulls each image up.

Here are three steps to boost your child's photographic memory:

Step 1: Relax

Step 2: Download

Step 3: Play

It really works! Here's how...

Benjamin was a cheerful red-headed six-year old. As soon as he walked into the classroom, his youthful presence energized the environment. His mother, Jennifer, followed. Benjamin scanned the shelves full of colorful play pieces designed to teach right brain lessons. It was his first lesson and he was ready to sit down and begin.

Step 1: RELAX

Ben settled onto his mother's lap as we guided both he and his mother to a gentle relaxation sequence. Jennifer's breathing slowed. Her hands and arms relaxed around Ben's waist. Ben, on the other hand, was fully awake. His eyes were still darting about the room. He began to wiggle around on Jennifer's lap.

Step 2: DOWNLOAD

"Close your eyes, Ben." Jennifer whispered. Ben closed them. He sat still for a moment and then his eyes began to move once more--this time while closed. He then began to recall moments from past vacations, an afternoon with a baby-sitter, a few TV shows, a horseback riding lesson and a few other emotion-filled experiences--both pleasant and unpleasant. As soon as Ben's mental slate was cleared, his breathing became regular and slow. Ben was ready for right brain play.

Step 3: PLAY

We flashed a card with 6 pictures on it for one second. Ben closed his eyes and recalled 4. We flashed a card with 6 pictures once more. This time he recalled all 6. Then we spread 15 picture cards of familiar object on the floor mat. Ben looked for one second, closed his eyes and recalled 8 images. When 30 new cards were spread out, he recalled 21. In four short games, Benjamin increased his memory digit span from 4 to 21.

As soon as Benjamin was able to release and download the emotional images that were at the forefront of his memory, he began to shine. And, get this:

- Children who watch less television have less images to download before accessing their right brain memory. (One more reason to give your family television plenty of rest!)

- Children who have some type of nighttime routine where they can process their day with a parent move right into right brain learning with minimal effort!

Help your child access their right brain abilities by providing a diet rich in beautiful, loving images--and if their right brain is already overactive, make sure that these images are calming and peaceful.

Teaching your child photographic memory not only gives your child a great mental boost... it gives him/her the ability to RELAX and ENJOY learning with minimal effort! How nice!!!