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Exploring why we remember things that make us feel happy, surprised, or excited.
Have you ever wondered why you can remember every detail of a surprise party from three years ago, but you can't remember what you had for breakfast last Tuesday?
Your brain is like a giant library. Most days are like plain white pieces of paper that are easy to lose. But when something exciting, happy, or even surprising happens, your brain adds a special 'glue' called emotions. This glue makes the memory stick to the shelf so it doesn't fall off! Scientists found that a tiny part of your brain called the amygdala (a-mig-da-la) helps tell the rest of your brain, 'Hey! This is important! Glue it down!' Think of it as a highlighter for your life.
Quick Check
What is the 'glue' that helps memories stay in our brains for a long time?
Answer
Emotions (like happiness, surprise, or excitement).
Why are birthdays so easy to remember? It is because they are full of High-Energy feelings. You feel anticipation while waiting for the day, joy when seeing friends, and surprise when opening gifts. Because you are feeling so much at once, your brain takes a 'mental photograph' that is much brighter and clearer than a normal day. This is why you can remember the flavor of the cake or the sound of the wrapping paper ripping even years later! Your brain thinks these moments are extra special because of how you felt.
Imagine you went to the zoo and a monkey suddenly splashed water on you! 1. You felt very surprised and started laughing. 2. That surprise made your brain pay extra attention. 3. Because of that 'surprise glue,' you will remember that monkey much better than the lions that were just sleeping.
Quick Check
Why does your brain take a 'mental photograph' on your birthday?
Answer
Because you are feeling many strong emotions like joy, excitement, and surprise at the same time.
You can actually use this 'magic glue' to help you in school! If you make a game out of your homework or feel proud when you solve a hard problem, that feeling helps the information stick. If you are bored, the glue is weak. But if you are curious and excited, your brain opens up its 'storage doors' wide. This is why we remember things better when we are having fun! Even a small feeling can help a big fact stay in your head.
Think about the first time you went down a very tall slide. 1. You felt scared at the top, which is a very strong feeling. 2. You felt brave and proud when you reached the bottom. 3. Notice how you can still remember the color of the slide and the wind in your hair. Those 'big' feelings glued all those tiny details together into one strong memory!
What does the brain use to make memories 'stick'?
Which part of the brain helps with emotional memories?
You are more likely to remember a boring day than a surprise party.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to recall: What was the funniest thing that happened today? Can you feel the 'memory glue' working?
Practice Activity
Draw a picture of your favorite memory. Write down three feelings you had during that memory to see why it stuck in your brain!