A Look at Learning

Strengthening Their Mathematical Minds: The Power of Retrieval Practice

Every day, we're kicking off our math lessons with a powerful five-minute warm-up. This isn’t just any activity; it's a short, focused exercise called retrieval practice. While it may seem like a small addition to our routine, it’s a highly effective way to help your child's learning truly stick.

What Is Retrieval Practice?

Think of retrieval practice as a brain workout. Instead of passively re-reading notes or watching a concept explained again, students are actively challenged to recall what they’ve learned from memory. When we ask our brains to pull information out, we’re strengthening the neural pathways that connect to that knowledge. The more we retrieve a memory, the stronger and more accessible it becomes.

This simple act directly tackles the "forgetting curve"—the natural tendency for us to forget information over time. By consistently revisiting content from earlier in the year, we’re helping to prevent that knowledge from fading away. It's a proactive strategy to ensure that what's taught isn’t just learned for a test but is retained for the long haul.

Why It's So Important

Retrieval practice is a much more effective learning strategy than simply re-studying material. It not only helps students build a durable memory but also enhances their ability to apply that knowledge to new problems. This quick daily practice helps us identify any gaps in understanding early on, so we can address them before they become bigger challenges.

By making these warm-ups a regular part of our routine, we are equipping your child with the tools to build a strong, lasting foundation in mathematics. We believe this approach will help them feel more confident and successful in their learning journey. We encourage you to support this process at home by asking them about the concepts they revisited in their daily retrieval practice.