Reviewing in Homeschooling

The Stripling Warriors reviewed all that their mothers taught them to Helaman. “They rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers,.. that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.” (Alma 56:47-48.) Reviewing helped them to remember their reason for helping with the battles. None of them were killed in battle, even though they had no previous battle experience.
Reviewing helps to retain learning so you can easily recall it. Joseph Smith experienced this repetition when the Angel Moroni came to him 4 times and told him the same things with little variation. “But what was my surprise when again I beheld the same messenger at my bedside, and heard him rehearse or repeat over again to me the same things as before;” (JS-H 1:46) Remember he was able to retain and write it all down word for word after he heard it the fourth time.

Repetition is a pattern of revelation. David A Bednar, of the quorum of the twelve, gave a talk in 2016, to the youth at BYU Idaho where he said, “Repetition is a vehicle in which the Holy Spirit can enlighten our minds, influence our hearts and enlarge our understanding.” He added, “Repetition is an important aspect of ordinances. The line upon line pattern of revelation can invite, renew, enrich and enlarge knowledge we already have obtained. It can also bring new knowledge into our minds and hearts.” This pattern can easily be utilized in your homeschool.

Your attitude toward repetition and review is key to learning. When you hear the typical topic of a lesson or presentation think not, “I already know this” or “I’ve heard this before.” This type of attitude stops our learning. Be open to repetition and know that it facilitates revelation!

Studies have shown that we recall only 75% of what we learn in a class and when we study within the first ten minutes we can remember almost all of it. However, with only one review or repetition a month later you only remember 10%. The good news is you can remember up to 75% of the information when you repeat that review within 24 hours and again in one week and again at one month. How incredible repetition is when it is consistently used. 🙂

Think about when your spouse repeats the words, “I love you,” do you shun it away? or accept it and enjoy the words over and over again? Think about repeating as receiving new learning, a way to retain what you have learned and a gateway to more revelation.
Remember that repetition should be of relevant things. Things that will bring you closer to God, strengthen you or help you fulfill your personal mission. One of Satan’s greatest tools is to get you to forget the virtuous, lovely and things of good report. Focus on the praiseworthy and the relevant in your learning.

Happy Reviewing in your Homeschooling! 🙂