Why Do We Forget?

Hello young learner,

It’s me, Kiki, and I welcome you to another edition of my knowledge corner. Today, when I was talking to Jax and Jane about the brain, I forgot what I was about to say. I tried hard to remember, but sadly, I couldn’t. Just like me, I am sure that you may have forgotten something at certain instances too – an answer to an easy question, where you put your keys last or similar other detail. 

That is when Jane asked me, “Kiki, can you tell us why we forget some things?” So, I decided to explore the science behind our forgetfulness. When you understand why you forget, you will feel better being unable to remember sometimes. 

To add to the fun while learning, there is a fun activity attached at the end, so read on!!

Why does the brain forget?

We consume new information every day, and our brain works very hard to take in everything that we see, hear, smell, feel or taste. Did you know as the brain processes information, half of it is approximately forgotten within an hour? And three fourth of it is forgotten after six days? 

The human brain is capable of performing multiple actions, but has limited space for memory.

Isn’t that disappointing?

Well, even if the brain is capable of impressive thinking and processing, its capacity to store information and recall details is limited! However, don’t worry as all the information is not lost. They are stored in another section of the brain, which is not available immediately. 

Are you confused? Let me explain further.

You all must know by now that our brain is used for remembering information. The brain has two memory storage places – one for long-term storage (primary memory) and another for short-term storage (secondary memory).

The hippocampus is an area in your brain that is mainly related to the storage of memory. It decides what needs to be stored in the primary memory and what needs to be put away in the secondary memory. And whatever is put away, we tend to forget!

Activity alert!

Let’s try a simple experiment. We have an activity that will test your memory.

Here are the steps you need to follow to access the activity.

1) If you belong to grades LKG and UKG, click below

Click here to download the memory activity for Grades LKG and UKG

2) If you belong to grades 1,2 or 3, click below

Click here to download the memory activity for Grades 1,2 and 3

3) You will get a message – PDF downloaded successfully!

4) Attempt the activity.

As you read further, you will find some tips to improve your memory. Perform those exercises and attempt the activity again. Compare the scores!

How does the brain understand which memories to keep?

Our brain learns from our ancestors. From many years of evolution, the brain learns what is needed for survival and keeps those memories that help us survive better. For instance, your brain will always remember important details like a phone number, or how to eat. 

To make the decision on what memories are retained in the primary memory, the brain considers the factors below and many more:

• Has the memory been repeated often?

For instance, you don’t forget the song you listen to every day, but the ones you don’t listen to often are forgotten.

• Has the memory happened recently?

For instance, you would remember what you ate for breakfast today, but do you remember what you ate for breakfast two weeks ago?

• Is the memory unusual or sudden?

For instance, you would certainly remember if a lion walked into your house, wouldn’t you?

These are just some of the important factors that the brain considers while keeping the information in the primary memory. 

How to improve your memory?

Even as most of the information we process is put away in the secondary memory, there are ways to recall the forgotten information quite fast!

Interested to know how? 

A good diet, sufficient rest and a lot of physical and mental exercises go a long way to ensure we recall our memories easily. However, you can also follow these steps. 

• Write the information down
• Keep repeating it
• Break up large chunks of information
• Use memory tricks like mnemonics. Want to know what mnemonics are? Read here

Activity time!

Now that you are aware of the memory exercises, give these activities another try. 

Here are the grade-wise activities below.

If you belong to grades LKG and UKG, click below

Click here to download the memory activity for Grades LKG and UKG

If you belong to grades 1,2 or 3, click below

Click here to download the memory activity for Grades 1,2 and 3

Have you performed better? Come back and tell us your scores ( before and after following our tips) in the comments below.

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