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How Many Times Does It Take to Learn Something New?

Writer's picture: FunCation Academy Education TeamFunCation Academy Education Team

Updated: Nov 22, 2024

As homeschool parents, we’ve all wondered: How many times does my child need to see or do something new before they truly learn it? Understanding how the brain works can help make learning easier and more effective for your child, whether it's a tricky math concept or a new vocabulary word. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand how often your child needs to see and practice something before it sticks!



The Rule of Repetition

Research shows that repetition is key to learning. On average, it takes 6-20 exposures to new information for it to really "stick." This can vary depending on the complexity of the topic and your child's learning style, but repetition is essential for deep learning.


Why Repetition Works

Repetition strengthens the brain's neural pathways, making recalling information easier. Just like exercising a muscle, the more often your child uses certain pathways, the stronger they become. The more they see, hear, or do something, the better they’ll remember it.


Effective Learning Strategies

  • Break It Into Smaller Steps Instead of cramming too much at once, break the material into small, digestible chunks. This will help your child process and remember the information. At FunCation Academy, we use bite-sized video lessons that allow students to absorb new material at their own pace.


  • Practice Makes Perfect Whether it’s a math problem or a new skill, practice is crucial. The more your child applies what they’re learning, the better they’ll remember it. Encourage regular practice by incorporating review sessions throughout the week.


  • Use Different Learning Styles Seeing, hearing, and doing—using multiple senses helps strengthen memory. Try using a combination of visual aids (like diagrams or videos), auditory exercises (like reading aloud), and hands-on activities (like experiments or games) to reinforce new concepts.


  • Review Regularly Spacing out review sessions over time helps move information from short-term to long-term memory. Instead of reviewing everything in one day, try a daily or weekly review of what your child has learned. FunCation Academy’s engaging lessons make revisiting key concepts in fun and interactive ways easy.


  • Make Learning Fun When kids enjoy what they’re learning, they’re more likely to remember it. Try to make lessons playful and engaging, using games, challenges, or fun projects. At FunCation, we believe learning should be fun, and our virtual campus is designed to keep students excited and engaged in their studies.


Here are some simple ways you can help your child master new material:

  • Repeat the material in different formats (reading, videos, hands-on activities).

  • Break lessons into smaller pieces so they don’t feel overwhelmed.

  • Practice frequently, even for a few minutes each day.

  • Mix in review sessions regularly so the information stays fresh.

  • Celebrate progress—praise your child for their hard work and improvements!


Final Thoughts

There’s no magic number for how many times your child needs to practice something before they learn it, but repetition, variety, and fun are the best ways to ensure they truly understand new material.


At FunCation Academy, our interactive lessons and supportive environment are designed to help your child thrive and enjoy learning! By keeping these strategies in mind, you’ll help your child build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.


Learning takes time, but with patience, practice, and the right tools, your child can succeed!


Sources:
  • How Many Repetitions Does It Take to Learn Something?, Psychology Today.
  • The Power of Repetition in Learning, Edutopia.

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