What is memory?

Do you remember your first day of school, that spring trip to the park, or the time you spent the whole day with a good friend? If your answer to any of these questions is “yes,” you have your memory to thank!

Memory is your brain’s ability to store and recall the things you’ve learned and experienced. The actual experience you remember is also called a memory. A memory can make you feel happy, sad, scared, or even peaceful!  

To make sure you remember something important, your brain saves it and stores it away! Memory affects your awareness of the world around you, your attention and how you learn! What you remember may influence the choices you make. For example, if you remember that a restaurant has really great food, chances are you’ll want to eat there again! 

Try recalling one of your favorite memories. Maybe you remember a fun trip you’ve taken or a special outing with a friend. Think back to that day… Are there certain sounds you heard? Are there certain colors or images you noticed? Especially if food was involved, are there smells and tastes that you remember? Did your sense of touch have a part in the memory? For example, if you were at the beach, do you remember the feel and temperature of the sand under your feet?

Now see if you can use your memory to draw a picture. Think of the sounds, sights, smells, tastes and feel of the items around you that day as you draw. Make your artwork a picture to remember!