To answer many Mummies’ enquiries on “How to Make Shichida Flashcards”, here’s a detailed tutorial with tips.
Basic steps?
Think of a topic (that either you or your child finds interesting)
Find a relevant list online or compile one. Wikipedia is a good resource.
Find a suitable image for each item on the list
Create the soft copy flashcards file (you may download our template later)
Print, cut and glue the flashcards
What information to include on the flashcards?
Title card: simple title. Decorate it a little if you wish to.
Front of flashcard: a large and clear image. Preferably on a white background. Do a tight crop, or cut around the borders of the object
Back of flashcard: write the name of the object in pen (Writing in pencil is too faint and hard to read when speed flashing.) In small font is fine, as long as you can read it.
Especially if you’re exchanging cards, write the name in the top middle of the card. This facilitates both left and right-handers.
For certain topics, you may wish to let the child study more information regarding each image. You may then include more information behind the card. Refer to the sample below:
Perhaps 80% to 90% of my week’s flashcards set are made of flashing images. The rest, I may include some English words, Chinese characters or numerals. For a baby or young child who hasn’t shown interest in reading, I may not even flash any word.
How big should the flashcards be?
Most objects/images: usually A5 (=1/2 A4)
Random / variety / organised dots / poems / songs: usually A4
Images with more details: A4 (e.g. our Famous Paintings set)
What type of paper to use?
Name of paper: Art card (for print & stick); Laser card (for direct printing)
Weight: 230-310gsm (Heavier cards are sturdier and easier to speed flash)
Coating: Optional. I use 2 glossy sides when writing directly using a marker pen
For bulk savings: Find a local paper supplier near you. You may request for some of the A4 paper to be cut into A5.
How to make / print the flashcards?
If you have a printer that can print on thick cardstock(check the specifications!), then print directly onto the cardstock. This is fast and lasting.
If you have a colour inkjet printer, then print on A4 paper (2 images on 1 page for A5 flashcards). Cut with scissors (or buy a paper cutter, much more efficient), and glue onto blank cardstock. Use gluestick instead of watery glue.
Here’s an example from Amazon:
For super-ink efficiency, check out the Continuous Ink Supply System (CISS) or ink tank system. I bought an Epson L-series printer with a built-in ink tank, the first brand in the market to launch such a series. (If you convert other printers into CISS, you’d void the warranty.)
For dot cards, you may buy round coloured stickers from a stationery shop. From what I read, usually red for young babies and any clear colours (e.g. blue/green/orange/pink) for older children. ~1cm in diameter each. (I’ve used smaller ones for my multiplication cards.) Then stick onto blank cardstock.
Here’s an example from Amazon:
And here’s our multiplication flashcards:
How to flash the flashcards?
Tool: Buy a thumb cover from a stationery shop or Daiso. Preferably transparent or cream colour to camouflage it. Else, other colours are also fine, just try to hide it from the child’s view to prevent distracting her.
This is an example of what it looks like in Amazon:
Quantity: I flash about 10 cards per topic each time. For some favourite topics, Vee prefers that I flash the entire set at one go; this may be up to 40+ cards. So it depends on your child’s attention span. About 200 cards per day (can be broken into short sessions)
Repetition: Generally no within the same day, unless my child specifically requests for it
Rotation: Every day, I shuffle the cards within most topics (except cards for math, time, etc. that are sequential). Every week, I try to replace the entire set of ~200 cards. If I’m tired/busy, we may use the same set for several weeks, with daily shuffling and playing a variety of guessing games with the cards.
Speed: 1 to 3 cards per second
Some variety when flashing:
Image – Image – Image – Image …
Image – Word – Image – Word …
Image – (flip horizontally) Word – Image – (flip horizontally) Word …
Image – (flip vertically) Word – Image – (flip vertically) Word …
More tips
These are some useful ideas from the flashcards that I’ve bought.
Index every card in the set with a short “code” to track that the set is complete. Also, this lets me know if I’ve shuffled the cards before flashing.
E.g. For the Colours set, I’d index the title card as “Colours /12” (i.e. 12 cards in the set). For each colour, the code would be “Colours 1”, “Colours 2”, etc.
You may write the code in pencil marking behind the flashcard. Or if you’re using my template, you may cut out the Name of the card with the code (i.e. the slide number) and stick it behind the card.
Here’s when it’s good to cut corners: Cut a small triangle off the corner of each card (e.g top left corner). This way, I can stack many sets of cards together (each set in opposite direction) and still find separate sets easily.
Organisation & storage: We’ve thousands of flashcards (I didn’t count!), so getting them organised is important.
Those on regular rotation (e.g. dot cards): Keep in accessible storage boxes. I use the Ikea Trofast system. Or any sturdy drawer-type storage will do.
Longer storage: Keep A5 cards standing up in Daiso transparent shoe boxes. (They fit perfectly!) Sort by subject topics if you’d like to.
Flashcards for the week: Keep in a flat box/tray, together with the thumb cover. Anytime I need it, just pull it out, get the kids to do deep breathing, and start flashing.
Where to download free flashcards?
Our blank Flashcards – Template (.ODP, 13kb, updated in January 2014) – Blank template for creating your own flashcards. Includes method of indexing the cards. Can be opened with free OpenOffice software.
(Video tutorial on how to edit the total number of pages here.)
Carol is a mum, educator and trainer from sunny Singapore. She writes regularly on education research, creates effective learning materials, designs impactful workshops for parents, and prepares children for Mathematics competitions. Her mission is to show you how to teach your children using effective and efficient ways, helping them achieve success in school and in life.
50 thoughts on “[Tutorial] How to make Shichida flashcards”
Manorama
This is fantastic, thanks.
Could you tell me if you have been able to calculate how economical is your printer (per card/per 100 cards)?
I am looking to invest in one. Thanks
Hihi Manorama, I didn’t calculate exactly, but the savings are HUGE compared to my previous HP printer.
In the past, as long as I consistently created flashcards, I needed to spend ~RM100 on ink refill a month.
For the Epson CISS printer, 1 cartridge set is able to print thousands of photos or even more flashcards (at regular print quality).
After I printed about 500 flashcards, the ink indicator barely moved. Ha… :p
My rough estimate is >10 cents (regular) vs 1 cent (CISS) per flashcard.
Hi
Thanks for your reply.
Yes indeed, there appears to be huge saving, almost 10 times more reasonable!
Only drawback is that it does print directly on cardstock. However I understand this actually consumes more ink, so better to find some time to cut and paste :).
I guess I’ll scout around some more ; GSS is ongoing… 🙂
I’d love to print directly on card stock. BUT Epson CISS printers only allow up to 200+gsm, not 300gsm. Also, even printing regularly at the max 200+gsm will spoil the printer faster. There’re some non-CISS printers that allow printing on heavy cardstock, but either the printer or ink or both are expensive.
One other option is a coloured laser printer that can print on cardstock, just that I didn’t find anything suitable. Not keen on the maintenance and ink toner changes.
One more option is an e-printing service, which I’ll check for affordable ones in Malaysia.
Really thank you of the share the tutorial how to make flashcard! I have a question my daughter already 3 year old is it still work on shichida flash card method! Can her still can asbosrt I just flashcard for few minit?
Another question where to buy the art card in Selangor?
Hi Serena, you’re most welcome! 🙂 Yes, you may still flash cards to your 3-year old. I’m doing that with Vee (4+ years old) regularly — it helps to boost his memory. Also, after viewing the contents on flashcards (e.g. multiplication) and we move on to manipulatives, he grasps the concepts very easily and can retain what he learns.
I’ve read of Shichida parents who only started flashing cards when the kids are 5 years old, and the kids manage to develop amazing abilities. My friend, whose daughter is 7+, still finds this method very effective and efficient. Most importantly, learn the correct way to use the flashcard method. There’s quite a bit of misinformation on the method online, so try to refer to original Shichida sources.
I bought the art card through hubby’s contact, will check with him the contact details.
Can share your selangor paper supplier contact to me?
mievee @ mummyshomeschool.com
Hi Serena, here it is:
SNT Marketing
10, Persiaran Cahaya 2, Taman Cahaya Indah Light Industrial, 68000 Ampang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
Tel/Fax: 0342942108, 0342942109
Verrone
Hi mie vee,
jus a small tip on tis: As I hate the glue-ing and paste-ing of the pictures, gets a bit dirty and untidy. So I buy those A4 size label stickers and print on it, add-on borders to make your cutting easier and just stick it onto your card.
Hihi Verrone, thanks for the idea. Using a glue stick is quite neat actually, unlike liquid glue. I’ll go check out the adhesive labels and see if they’re economical, cos I can make hundreds of flashcards every month.
WOW!!! Hundreds!!! I will b very happy if i can make 3 new sets each mth.
Can you share the themes of your flashcards?
mievee @ mummyshomeschool.com
I’m slowing down recently because of pregnancy and 2 active kids. Sharing with a couple of other mums help a lot. The kids go through about 200 cards per week, and I try to keep most of them new, so got to keep making. The “target” for Shichida Method is to flash 1000 cards a day, and I’ve no idea how to make that happen, haha!
I may spend 1-2 weeks making new sets in soft copy, print the several hundreds pictures. Then the rest of the month, cut / glue some (10-50) every day.
As for themes, it’s anything interesting / useful, can sometimes be fun ones (e.g. cartoon characters) instead of knowledge-related.
I try to cover all major subjects – languages, math, sciences, geography, history, cultural, music, astronomy, etc.
My boy loves food, so we’ve done Fruits, Nuts, Japanese Food, Pasta, Cheese, Eggs, Mushrooms, etc.
He also loves vehicles, so we’ve covered cars brands, logos, MPV models, emergency & rescue vehicles.
For each theme, I try to have a long list, so the set can be used over a longer period of time by using only 10 cards each week.
Then favourite topics can be used for Flash Memory. E.g. We’re using the MPV set for Flash Memory (i.e. flash in a particular sequence only, no shuffling), and Vee loves memorising the entire sequence. It’s similar to Linking Memory, but doesn’t need story linking, suitable for ~4 years old and above.
Tran Minh Tu
Hi Mievee,
I really confuse about how to use flash cards in shichida method? (For example: how many cards in one day should I use? How many day these cards will be used ? How many cards each times I flash? How many times should I repeat the cards?). Can you please help me to make a lesson plan for my 6 month baby?
Thanks alot for your help!
Tu
Hi Tran Minh Tu, here’re the answers (from the best of my knowledge):
1. depends on the child’s age and attention span. Can start from 10 cards, then gradually increase to 100-200 per day.
2. depends on child’s preference. Some super-fast learners need new cards every 1-2 days, else they get bored. Some children are contented with similar cards (shuffled every day) for 1 week or even more. The key is to refresh the set BEFORE boredom. If child’s starts to look away from the cards or is uninterested in flashcard sessions, he’s probably bored.
3. if child has short attention for flashcards, the set you’ve prepared for the day can be broken down into several short sessions. Personally, I like to try raising the child’s attention and interest so that we get it done in 1 session (only a few minutes).
4. repetition: similar to #2. For “core” topic cards such as random / variety / organised dots, I rotate from 1 to 100 (10 cards each time) and restart after the cycle. Can flash in different ways after that, e.g. multiples of 2/5/10, use a different language. For generic themes (e.g. types of toys), I’ll go through the set (10 cards each time), then keep it away till many months or even a year later before re-using.
5. 6-month old baby: When Jae was a baby, I let him join in Vee’s flashcard sessions. Basically, just use 10 cards per set and gradually have total 100-200 cards, up to the child’s attention allows. Have a variety of topics from languages, math, sciences, geography, history, cultural, music, astronomy, etc. It’s purely for input at this age, the child can absorb anything. After the session, play a few “Which one is?” game with baby. From 3-4 months old, the baby can learn to touch the card to indicate his answer. It doesn’t matter if he gets it right or not, just make it fun and encouraging.
Hi Mievee,
Really thanks for your answer!
In recent I am teaching my baby in Glenn Doman method, but after reading some information about Shichida method I found that it’s much great if I can teach my baby with the Shichida. So now I am looking for the Shichida method information and I found your page, it’s really useful!
My baby can focus for a long time if I give her pictures, she doesn’t keen on letter. So as you told above, I will use flash cards like this:
1. In one day I can show my baby up to 200 cards include many topics
2. 10 cards in one set. So 200 cards can be deivide into 20 sets, right?
3.Can you explain for me: 1 day should I repeat these cards 2-3 times? Some one told me that if I do that the information will be turned into left brain because of repetation.
4. With 6 month baby, except for flash cards, what another activities should I play with may baby?
I am sorry if I disturb you, but because I don’t understand about left brain and right brain clearly so I confuse alot.
Thanks for your help!
mievee @ mummyshomeschool.com
Hi Tran Minh Tu! Personally, I prefer Shichida to Glenn Doman method because it’s much more comprehensive, versatile and makes a lot of sense to me. The 2 methods are actually VERY different, although both use flashcards. The purpose and method of using flashcards differ between them.
Anyway, replies:
1. yes
2. yes. 10 cards in 1 set is not a “must”. You can have slightly less or more too. Just not too many in 1 set, unless baby likes it.
3. Shichida method needs NO repetition. The flashcard session is for activating the right brain, helping to boost memory power, etc. Not meant to teach knowledge or reading, etc. After flashcard and right brain activities, do left brain activities with child to help her retain the information. For baby, this can be singing, reading, playing with educational blocks / toys / homemade materials, etc.
Right brain activities: flashcards, senses games, pretend play, speed reading, speed listening, memory games (try reading original Shichida books for more details. Refer to Shichida Review & FAQ article.)
Left brain activities: activities that help her experience all senses. E.g. see different things in and out of house, talk to her about them, let her smell / touch / hear / taste (when older) a wide range of things.
Hi Prisca, thank you for reading my articles. For Lightning Rapid Calculation, you may try searching for “63-Day Lightning Rapid Calculation” and see if anyone else has shared. I can’t share it cos it’s copyrighted by Shichida.
The older version is “65-Day Lightning Rapid Calculation”. It has been shared online elsewhere. The difference is 65-Day programme covers 1-100, while the updated 63-Day covers 1-50, supposedly easier to absorb for babies / young children since many of us start the programme really early.
For this programme, the basic you need is a set of random red dots flashcards for 0-50 (63 Days) or 0-100 (65 Days), and the list of equations for each day.
Since you read Chinese, there’re pre-packaged Lightning Rapid Calculation programme flashcards. Try ibaby [dot] my, search for 63日点卡（上下册）. I’m not sure where to get it from Singapore. Haven’t tried them before, so you may verify if it follows the programme correctly.
[Edited to add on 27 April 2014] I’ve bought 2 sets of 63-Day Math Dot Programmes:
1. Original published by Shichida Education International
2. Published by 德慧泉
Quality and reliability: I prefer Shichida’s original. (Disclosure: I’m now retailing Shichda Education International products at Owlissimo.com)
For 乘法表, I’m using 《说说唱唱 乘法表》 CD by warm372 [dot] com. My boy finds them more catchy than Shichida’s Multiplication CDs. Can get from Popular. I used dot stickers to create the flashcards. Alternatively, can create slides, then print and paste.
Thank You for the contact!
For the 《说说唱唱 乘法表》 you bought is CD do there include DVD together? Cos I bought it is said CD + DVD, When I open only DVD. I just want to know if CD do I need to buy another piece? My daughter don’t like to watch 《说说唱唱 乘法表》, need to find another method to let her learn!
Hi Serena, mine’s CD + DVD but I only use the CD. It’s perfectly fine not watch the DVD, we don’t too cos audio learning is very effective and doesn’t harm the eyes. If you can’t find the CD in the pack, then need to exchange with the store?
For my kids, I started with listening to the CD. Then introduced homemade Multiplication flashcards that can go with the raps.
Hi Serena, please refer to the second last photo – there’s my green thumb cover on the Lightning Rapid Calculation flashcards set. The ones in Daiso KL are orange, at the stationery section. Otherwise, major bookstores should have them, they’re for cashiers to calculate cash quickly. 🙂
Hi mievee,
im new to your blog..for the past 2 mths i have been reading and gaining lots of info from your blog. my daughter is in shichida class..
thank you so much for all the wonderful sharing..i must say you are a great inspiration to me!!
BRAVO, mom!!
Btw, i would like to know if you can share where can we buy the empty cards in bulk..planning to print out and continue doing it …
Hi mievee…its ok…tried scrolling up and down the page and found the info:-
SNT Marketing
10, Persiaran Cahaya 2, Taman Cahaya Indah Light Industrial, 68000 Ampang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
Tel/Fax: 0342942108, 0342942109
Hi Rebecca, the dot diameter needs to be big enough for the child to see clearly.
I try to fill up the A4 flash card. Within each set, diameter of dots is consistent.
For multiplication cards, maximum 144 dots, so I use ~0.5″ (1.27cm) diameter.
For cards with maximum 100 dots, I use ~0.59″ (1.5cm) diameter.
Hi mievie,
Thank you so much for your guidance. I’ve started making Flash card with your recommend method. Managed to source for very good price for the adhesive n cardboard. I’m so happy.
Thanks a lot for your generosity that made my life much easier.
🙂
mievee @ mummyshomeschool.com
That’s wonderful, Rebecca! Have fun teaching and learning with your little one! 🙂
chan
Hi Mievee
Thanks for your sharing.
Is it ok for a kid to repeat in words whatever being flashed to him?
Should i let him be or should i ask him not to repeat?
Hi chan, at high speed flashing (~2 cards per second), I find that it’s quite impossible for my kids to repeat after me. Perhaps you could try flashing a bit faster and see if he still repeats?
I notice that if my toddler is familiar with the cards, he may try to repeat. E.g. Alphabets A-Z. Once I start flashing, he starts reciting at his own pace and doesn’t pay attention. For the following session, I removed the cards and replaced with new topics.
My preference is for the child not to repeat during flash card session. Main reason is he’d distract classmates / siblings watching the cards too.
Hi Mievee,
Admire your determination on making flash cards and flashing to your kids.
May I ask can the epson L800 cope w the printing in cards? I print using my epson L120 and I face problem feeding the cards, it often jam and I am seeing broken lines fr the printout.
Hi Jacelle, after 5 years and 3 kids, I still see the effectiveness of the right brain method (which includes flash cards & other activities), that’s why I continue using it. 🙂
After some time, broken lines may appear. When this happens, I open the printer utility application, run printer head cleaning, do a test print of the lines. If broken, repeat. Just this week, I ran the head cleaning 3 times and print-out is fine again.
Also, if you’re too busy to make materials sometimes, at least try to print a coloured document or test page every week. This prevents the printer head from clogging.
Thanks for sharing your experience and expertise in teaching your little ones Shichida. I have a Q for you regarding flashcard. Should I mix word and picture in the same card (eg, pic of car and the word car in the same flashcard)? I have a feeling that the answer is no since my Shichida teacher has never shown cards like that (except for some of the variety dots cards). What is the rationale?
I am a mummy in Singapore who missed your home practice workshop the other time. When are you having one again? Looking forward to it.
Hi Kim, your observation is right. Picture on 1 card, word on separate card.
The rationale is that the child absorbs the entire card as a whole.
Learning is effective when it goes in this sequence: concrete (e.g. show the object) and pictorial (show picture of object), then abstract (show the word, number or symbol)
To show in pictorial form:
It’s clearer to show, for example, an apple as an object with plain background and no word.
To show the abstract form:
When the child sees just the word and no picture, it’s easier to remember what the word looks like.
Next workshop for Singapore is likely in June 2015; for KL in Apr 2015.
In the pipeline is an e-workshop video series.
Just stay in Mummy’s Homeschool mailing list to be updated.
I just subscribed to the homeschooling [blog]. It is a very informative website and i m really admire enthusiam of school learning. I m going to be mother of 3 too, #1 is 4 years old,#2 is 32 months,#3 coming soon in oct. I did flashcard to my #2 before…but seemed didnt work out. Do i have to read out the card while flashing? How to get him focus on the card as he seemed get distracted easily. If he has short attention, would flash few cards enough and defeat purpose? I m new to right brain method…can share recommended flashcard plan for my 4 years old and coming 3 years old kids…truely appreciate it. Tks.
Generally, thicker and smoother paper/cards are easier to flash faster.
I use minimum 270gsm and glossy on 1 side (if possible).
If both sides are rough, then the card can’t be lifted up fast enough.
hi there..may I know how many cards will fit into the Daiso shoe box? I am trying very hard to think of how to organise my huge number of flashcards. Not sure if i should just dump everything into one huge Ikea storage box or have several Daiso shoe boxes. TIA for your advice.
Hi Janice, the Daiso shoe box is about 30cm long. You may measure a thick stack of your flashcards, then estimate how much it’d hold. My guess is about 500, depending on card thickness.
Do note that one Ikea storage box of flashcards is VERY heavy. (The red ones in the picture.) I use a few to hold my A4 math flashcards and cards on rotation. Avoid having too many of these because the weight could cause back-injury. No joke.
Hi Huey lee, it depends on the object and background colour you’re referring to. If it’s neutral like cream or beige, should be fine.
A dark background may be suitable for objects that are light in colour (such as cotton wool) to show it clearly. The concept is for the child to be able to see the object being flashed at high speed.
Hi,
Im looking at your flashcard template,
trying to change number of cards.
View -> I dont see any total anywhere or way to ‘enlarge the slide’
Thank you
Hi mummy mievee,
I am so attracted to all your generous details that u share around and helping to answer all the questions which can really help mommies like myself – first kid / new to flashcard and right brain teaching.
Because of your post on why you decide to choose Shichida, it really pushed me to ask my hub to let our baby try it out. But while we are on the waiting list, I would like to get her started first (I dont know how long I have to wait , maybe by then she is 1 year old or more already hahahaha).
I would like to seek some advice on these issues:
1. My baby is 7 month. How should i catch her attention to look at my flashcard when i flip 2nd card she look at me instead 😅
Is she bored or i am not doing correctly?
I still dont know what topics she likes besides listening to music/playing with toys that have music.
2. If let’s say i do 1-10 cards for the week. But happen so that on day 5 she is bored. So i change a new set, do i include this 1-10 and add 11 to 20 behind? Or its a new set 11-20?
How do u end up introducing 100 to 200 a day? Does it include the existing one that you start of on day 1 (the 10 cards)? Or its a totally new card for 100 to 200 cards
3. U mention can change language example i say in english one two three to ten for the dots for 1 whole week. Then when is it right to start and change to chinese language?
Likewise for pictures(such as vehicles set) also right?
4. I should not introduce alphabets to my baby yet coz she is still small, should start off with pictures only is it? Cause I read up somewhere stating words (reading) and alphabets should only come at the later stage . What about phonics? As it comprises of alphabet.
And if allowed to do, how should I go about? Like how u mention pictorial > abstract form > pictorial > abstract form
Am i right?
Is just whether i can show her alphabets as a start altogether or just flash the pictures and i say the name of the picture out loud and the abstract form (words) comes in only after she gets bored of all her many sets of cards?
5. How should I go about planning the cards to flash for the week and the month/throughout the year?
Hope to seek all your expert advice on these questions!
Thank you so much mommy mievee!!!
Take care and stay safe!
Hi Jeanette, thank you very much for your message. I feel your excitement! Since your questions need detailed replies, I’ll be sending you an email. Look out for your inbox. 😉
This is fantastic, thanks.
Could you tell me if you have been able to calculate how economical is your printer (per card/per 100 cards)?
I am looking to invest in one. Thanks
Hihi Manorama, I didn’t calculate exactly, but the savings are HUGE compared to my previous HP printer.
In the past, as long as I consistently created flashcards, I needed to spend ~RM100 on ink refill a month.
For the Epson CISS printer, 1 cartridge set is able to print thousands of photos or even more flashcards (at regular print quality).
After I printed about 500 flashcards, the ink indicator barely moved. Ha… :p
My rough estimate is >10 cents (regular) vs 1 cent (CISS) per flashcard.
Hi
Thanks for your reply.
Yes indeed, there appears to be huge saving, almost 10 times more reasonable!
Only drawback is that it does print directly on cardstock. However I understand this actually consumes more ink, so better to find some time to cut and paste :).
I guess I’ll scout around some more ; GSS is ongoing… 🙂
I’d love to print directly on card stock. BUT Epson CISS printers only allow up to 200+gsm, not 300gsm. Also, even printing regularly at the max 200+gsm will spoil the printer faster. There’re some non-CISS printers that allow printing on heavy cardstock, but either the printer or ink or both are expensive.
One other option is a coloured laser printer that can print on cardstock, just that I didn’t find anything suitable. Not keen on the maintenance and ink toner changes.
One more option is an e-printing service, which I’ll check for affordable ones in Malaysia.
Hi mie vee,
Really thank you of the share the tutorial how to make flashcard! I have a question my daughter already 3 year old is it still work on shichida flash card method! Can her still can asbosrt I just flashcard for few minit?
Another question where to buy the art card in Selangor?
Hi Serena, you’re most welcome! 🙂 Yes, you may still flash cards to your 3-year old. I’m doing that with Vee (4+ years old) regularly — it helps to boost his memory. Also, after viewing the contents on flashcards (e.g. multiplication) and we move on to manipulatives, he grasps the concepts very easily and can retain what he learns.
I’ve read of Shichida parents who only started flashing cards when the kids are 5 years old, and the kids manage to develop amazing abilities. My friend, whose daughter is 7+, still finds this method very effective and efficient. Most importantly, learn the correct way to use the flashcard method. There’s quite a bit of misinformation on the method online, so try to refer to original Shichida sources.
I bought the art card through hubby’s contact, will check with him the contact details.
Can share your selangor paper supplier contact to me?
Hi Serena, here it is:
SNT Marketing
10, Persiaran Cahaya 2, Taman Cahaya Indah Light Industrial, 68000 Ampang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
Tel/Fax: 0342942108, 0342942109
Hi mie vee,
jus a small tip on tis: As I hate the glue-ing and paste-ing of the pictures, gets a bit dirty and untidy. So I buy those A4 size label stickers and print on it, add-on borders to make your cutting easier and just stick it onto your card.
Hihi Verrone, thanks for the idea. Using a glue stick is quite neat actually, unlike liquid glue. I’ll go check out the adhesive labels and see if they’re economical, cos I can make hundreds of flashcards every month.
Hi mievee,
WOW!!! Hundreds!!! I will b very happy if i can make 3 new sets each mth.
Can you share the themes of your flashcards?
I’m slowing down recently because of pregnancy and 2 active kids. Sharing with a couple of other mums help a lot. The kids go through about 200 cards per week, and I try to keep most of them new, so got to keep making. The “target” for Shichida Method is to flash 1000 cards a day, and I’ve no idea how to make that happen, haha!
I may spend 1-2 weeks making new sets in soft copy, print the several hundreds pictures. Then the rest of the month, cut / glue some (10-50) every day.
As for themes, it’s anything interesting / useful, can sometimes be fun ones (e.g. cartoon characters) instead of knowledge-related.
I try to cover all major subjects – languages, math, sciences, geography, history, cultural, music, astronomy, etc.
My boy loves food, so we’ve done Fruits, Nuts, Japanese Food, Pasta, Cheese, Eggs, Mushrooms, etc.
He also loves vehicles, so we’ve covered cars brands, logos, MPV models, emergency & rescue vehicles.
For each theme, I try to have a long list, so the set can be used over a longer period of time by using only 10 cards each week.
Then favourite topics can be used for Flash Memory. E.g. We’re using the MPV set for Flash Memory (i.e. flash in a particular sequence only, no shuffling), and Vee loves memorising the entire sequence. It’s similar to Linking Memory, but doesn’t need story linking, suitable for ~4 years old and above.
Hi Mievee,
I really confuse about how to use flash cards in shichida method? (For example: how many cards in one day should I use? How many day these cards will be used ? How many cards each times I flash? How many times should I repeat the cards?). Can you please help me to make a lesson plan for my 6 month baby?
Thanks alot for your help!
Tu
Hi Tran Minh Tu, here’re the answers (from the best of my knowledge):
1. depends on the child’s age and attention span. Can start from 10 cards, then gradually increase to 100-200 per day.
2. depends on child’s preference. Some super-fast learners need new cards every 1-2 days, else they get bored. Some children are contented with similar cards (shuffled every day) for 1 week or even more. The key is to refresh the set BEFORE boredom. If child’s starts to look away from the cards or is uninterested in flashcard sessions, he’s probably bored.
3. if child has short attention for flashcards, the set you’ve prepared for the day can be broken down into several short sessions. Personally, I like to try raising the child’s attention and interest so that we get it done in 1 session (only a few minutes).
4. repetition: similar to #2. For “core” topic cards such as random / variety / organised dots, I rotate from 1 to 100 (10 cards each time) and restart after the cycle. Can flash in different ways after that, e.g. multiples of 2/5/10, use a different language. For generic themes (e.g. types of toys), I’ll go through the set (10 cards each time), then keep it away till many months or even a year later before re-using.
5. 6-month old baby: When Jae was a baby, I let him join in Vee’s flashcard sessions. Basically, just use 10 cards per set and gradually have total 100-200 cards, up to the child’s attention allows. Have a variety of topics from languages, math, sciences, geography, history, cultural, music, astronomy, etc. It’s purely for input at this age, the child can absorb anything. After the session, play a few “Which one is?” game with baby. From 3-4 months old, the baby can learn to touch the card to indicate his answer. It doesn’t matter if he gets it right or not, just make it fun and encouraging.
Hope these help! 🙂
Hi Mievee,
Really thanks for your answer!
In recent I am teaching my baby in Glenn Doman method, but after reading some information about Shichida method I found that it’s much great if I can teach my baby with the Shichida. So now I am looking for the Shichida method information and I found your page, it’s really useful!
My baby can focus for a long time if I give her pictures, she doesn’t keen on letter. So as you told above, I will use flash cards like this:
1. In one day I can show my baby up to 200 cards include many topics
2. 10 cards in one set. So 200 cards can be deivide into 20 sets, right?
3.Can you explain for me: 1 day should I repeat these cards 2-3 times? Some one told me that if I do that the information will be turned into left brain because of repetation.
4. With 6 month baby, except for flash cards, what another activities should I play with may baby?
I am sorry if I disturb you, but because I don’t understand about left brain and right brain clearly so I confuse alot.
Thanks for your help!
Hi Tran Minh Tu! Personally, I prefer Shichida to Glenn Doman method because it’s much more comprehensive, versatile and makes a lot of sense to me. The 2 methods are actually VERY different, although both use flashcards. The purpose and method of using flashcards differ between them.
Anyway, replies:
1. yes
2. yes. 10 cards in 1 set is not a “must”. You can have slightly less or more too. Just not too many in 1 set, unless baby likes it.
3. Shichida method needs NO repetition. The flashcard session is for activating the right brain, helping to boost memory power, etc. Not meant to teach knowledge or reading, etc. After flashcard and right brain activities, do left brain activities with child to help her retain the information. For baby, this can be singing, reading, playing with educational blocks / toys / homemade materials, etc.
4. You may refer to Jae’s past progress updates.
Right brain activities: flashcards, senses games, pretend play, speed reading, speed listening, memory games (try reading original Shichida books for more details. Refer to Shichida Review & FAQ article.)
Left brain activities: activities that help her experience all senses. E.g. see different things in and out of house, talk to her about them, let her smell / touch / hear / taste (when older) a wide range of things.
Baby sign language is wonderful too, can help her communicate to you when she’s ready. http://www.mummysreviews.com/2010/02/23/baby-sign-language-our-experience/
Hope this helps! 🙂
Hi mievee,
I enjoy reading your sharing on home education.
My girl is not in Shichida but am inspired by your commitment so thought of self making the materials.
From those pics that you have posted, i am interested in the lightning rapid calculation and the 9 的乘法表 content. Wonder can you share?
Hi Prisca, thank you for reading my articles. For Lightning Rapid Calculation, you may try searching for “63-Day Lightning Rapid Calculation” and see if anyone else has shared. I can’t share it cos it’s copyrighted by Shichida.
The older version is “65-Day Lightning Rapid Calculation”. It has been shared online elsewhere. The difference is 65-Day programme covers 1-100, while the updated 63-Day covers 1-50, supposedly easier to absorb for babies / young children since many of us start the programme really early.
For this programme, the basic you need is a set of random red dots flashcards for 0-50 (63 Days) or 0-100 (65 Days), and the list of equations for each day.
Since you read Chinese, there’re pre-packaged Lightning Rapid Calculation programme flashcards. Try ibaby [dot] my, search for 63日点卡（上下册）. I’m not sure where to get it from Singapore. Haven’t tried them before, so you may verify if it follows the programme correctly.
[Edited to add on 27 April 2014] I’ve bought 2 sets of 63-Day Math Dot Programmes:
1. Original published by Shichida Education International
2. Published by 德慧泉
Quality and reliability: I prefer Shichida’s original. (Disclosure: I’m now retailing Shichda Education International products at Owlissimo.com)
For 乘法表, I’m using 《说说唱唱 乘法表》 CD by warm372 [dot] com. My boy finds them more catchy than Shichida’s Multiplication CDs. Can get from Popular. I used dot stickers to create the flashcards. Alternatively, can create slides, then print and paste.
Hope this helps… 🙂
Thank You for the contact!
For the 《说说唱唱 乘法表》 you bought is CD do there include DVD together? Cos I bought it is said CD + DVD, When I open only DVD. I just want to know if CD do I need to buy another piece? My daughter don’t like to watch 《说说唱唱 乘法表》, need to find another method to let her learn!
Hi Serena, mine’s CD + DVD but I only use the CD. It’s perfectly fine not watch the DVD, we don’t too cos audio learning is very effective and doesn’t harm the eyes. If you can’t find the CD in the pack, then need to exchange with the store?
For my kids, I started with listening to the CD. Then introduced homemade Multiplication flashcards that can go with the raps.
Thanks Mievee for sharing the information on the dots programme. Will try to source for information on it.
By the way, i am interested in self making the 乘法表 like yours. Possible to share more photos on how the 1x to 8x multiplication cards look like?
Just wonder where you get the items on the flashcards topic. Hope to be a hardworking mommy like you.
Thanks.
Hi Prisca, in case I take too long to take photos:
1x Multiplication:
– 1×1=1: 1 rounded-edge square with 1 dot inside
– 2×1=2: 2 rounded-edge square with 1 dot inside each
…
– 12×1=12: 12 rounded-edge square with 1 dot inside each
…
8x Multiplication:
– 1×8=8: 1 rounded-edge square with 8 dots inside
– 2×8=16: 2 rounded-edge square with 8 dots inside each
…
– 12×8=96: 12 rounded-edge square with 8 dots inside each
… continue until 12×12=144: 12 rounded-edge square with 12 dots inside each
For each flashcard topic, I search using Google images. Mainly because I try to find pictures of real-live objects, instead of clip-art.
After a while, you’ll find a way to create flashcards most efficiently. All the best to you! 🙂
Hi mie vee,
Can show how the thumb cover look like? I didn’t see it at daiso shop!
Hi Serena, please refer to the second last photo – there’s my green thumb cover on the Lightning Rapid Calculation flashcards set. The ones in Daiso KL are orange, at the stationery section. Otherwise, major bookstores should have them, they’re for cashiers to calculate cash quickly. 🙂
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Hi mievee,
im new to your blog..for the past 2 mths i have been reading and gaining lots of info from your blog. my daughter is in shichida class..
thank you so much for all the wonderful sharing..i must say you are a great inspiration to me!!
BRAVO, mom!!
Btw, i would like to know if you can share where can we buy the empty cards in bulk..planning to print out and continue doing it …
thank you.
Priya
Hi mievee…its ok…tried scrolling up and down the page and found the info:-
SNT Marketing
10, Persiaran Cahaya 2, Taman Cahaya Indah Light Industrial, 68000 Ampang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
Tel/Fax: 0342942108, 0342942109
thank you 🙂
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Hi MieVee,
May i know what is the diameter of the random dots/organized dots/multiplications? is there any impact if the size of the diameters random?
Hi Rebecca, the dot diameter needs to be big enough for the child to see clearly.
I try to fill up the A4 flash card. Within each set, diameter of dots is consistent.
For multiplication cards, maximum 144 dots, so I use ~0.5″ (1.27cm) diameter.
For cards with maximum 100 dots, I use ~0.59″ (1.5cm) diameter.
Hi mievie,
Thank you so much for your guidance. I’ve started making Flash card with your recommend method. Managed to source for very good price for the adhesive n cardboard. I’m so happy.
Thanks a lot for your generosity that made my life much easier.
🙂
That’s wonderful, Rebecca! Have fun teaching and learning with your little one! 🙂
Hi Mievee
Thanks for your sharing.
Is it ok for a kid to repeat in words whatever being flashed to him?
Should i let him be or should i ask him not to repeat?
Thank you
Hi chan, at high speed flashing (~2 cards per second), I find that it’s quite impossible for my kids to repeat after me. Perhaps you could try flashing a bit faster and see if he still repeats?
I notice that if my toddler is familiar with the cards, he may try to repeat. E.g. Alphabets A-Z. Once I start flashing, he starts reciting at his own pace and doesn’t pay attention. For the following session, I removed the cards and replaced with new topics.
My preference is for the child not to repeat during flash card session. Main reason is he’d distract classmates / siblings watching the cards too.
Hope this helps and all the best! 🙂
Hi Mievee,
Admire your determination on making flash cards and flashing to your kids.
May I ask can the epson L800 cope w the printing in cards? I print using my epson L120 and I face problem feeding the cards, it often jam and I am seeing broken lines fr the printout.
Hi Jacelle, after 5 years and 3 kids, I still see the effectiveness of the right brain method (which includes flash cards & other activities), that’s why I continue using it. 🙂
You may refer to this detailed post on Epson L800 here. I’m using 270gsm paper, no jam. It can take up to 280gsm.
After some time, broken lines may appear. When this happens, I open the printer utility application, run printer head cleaning, do a test print of the lines. If broken, repeat. Just this week, I ran the head cleaning 3 times and print-out is fine again.
Also, if you’re too busy to make materials sometimes, at least try to print a coloured document or test page every week. This prevents the printer head from clogging.
Hope this helps. 🙂
Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Hi MieVee,
Thanks for sharing your experience and expertise in teaching your little ones Shichida. I have a Q for you regarding flashcard. Should I mix word and picture in the same card (eg, pic of car and the word car in the same flashcard)? I have a feeling that the answer is no since my Shichida teacher has never shown cards like that (except for some of the variety dots cards). What is the rationale?
I am a mummy in Singapore who missed your home practice workshop the other time. When are you having one again? Looking forward to it.
Thanks!
Hi Kim, your observation is right. Picture on 1 card, word on separate card.
The rationale is that the child absorbs the entire card as a whole.
Learning is effective when it goes in this sequence: concrete (e.g. show the object) and pictorial (show picture of object), then abstract (show the word, number or symbol)
To show in pictorial form:
It’s clearer to show, for example, an apple as an object with plain background and no word.
To show the abstract form:
When the child sees just the word and no picture, it’s easier to remember what the word looks like.
Next workshop for Singapore is likely in June 2015; for KL in Apr 2015.
In the pipeline is an e-workshop video series.
Just stay in Mummy’s Homeschool mailing list to be updated.
Or check Owlissimo.com from time to time.
Have a great day! 🙂
Hi,
I just subscribed to the homeschooling [blog]. It is a very informative website and i m really admire enthusiam of school learning. I m going to be mother of 3 too, #1 is 4 years old,#2 is 32 months,#3 coming soon in oct. I did flashcard to my #2 before…but seemed didnt work out. Do i have to read out the card while flashing? How to get him focus on the card as he seemed get distracted easily. If he has short attention, would flash few cards enough and defeat purpose? I m new to right brain method…can share recommended flashcard plan for my 4 years old and coming 3 years old kids…truely appreciate it. Tks.
Any tips to flash fast ? i am using rubber thumb and 230gm paper , still it is like stuck in between…can’t slip out fast enough
Generally, thicker and smoother paper/cards are easier to flash faster.
I use minimum 270gsm and glossy on 1 side (if possible).
If both sides are rough, then the card can’t be lifted up fast enough.
hi there..may I know how many cards will fit into the Daiso shoe box? I am trying very hard to think of how to organise my huge number of flashcards. Not sure if i should just dump everything into one huge Ikea storage box or have several Daiso shoe boxes. TIA for your advice.
Hi Janice, the Daiso shoe box is about 30cm long. You may measure a thick stack of your flashcards, then estimate how much it’d hold. My guess is about 500, depending on card thickness.
Do note that one Ikea storage box of flashcards is VERY heavy. (The red ones in the picture.) I use a few to hold my A4 math flashcards and cards on rotation. Avoid having too many of these because the weight could cause back-injury. No joke.
All the best! 🙂
Hi mummy Mievee, can I use colored background cardboard for the flash cards or need to be white background only ?
Hi Huey lee, it depends on the object and background colour you’re referring to. If it’s neutral like cream or beige, should be fine.
A dark background may be suitable for objects that are light in colour (such as cotton wool) to show it clearly. The concept is for the child to be able to see the object being flashed at high speed.
Hi,
Im looking at your flashcard template,
trying to change number of cards.
View -> I dont see any total anywhere or way to ‘enlarge the slide’
Thank you
Hi remi, thank you for dropping by! I’ve just made a short video on how to edit the total number of pages in the template:
View here.
Hi mummy mievee,
I am so attracted to all your generous details that u share around and helping to answer all the questions which can really help mommies like myself – first kid / new to flashcard and right brain teaching.
Because of your post on why you decide to choose Shichida, it really pushed me to ask my hub to let our baby try it out. But while we are on the waiting list, I would like to get her started first (I dont know how long I have to wait , maybe by then she is 1 year old or more already hahahaha).
I would like to seek some advice on these issues:
1. My baby is 7 month. How should i catch her attention to look at my flashcard when i flip 2nd card she look at me instead 😅
Is she bored or i am not doing correctly?
I still dont know what topics she likes besides listening to music/playing with toys that have music.
2. If let’s say i do 1-10 cards for the week. But happen so that on day 5 she is bored. So i change a new set, do i include this 1-10 and add 11 to 20 behind? Or its a new set 11-20?
How do u end up introducing 100 to 200 a day? Does it include the existing one that you start of on day 1 (the 10 cards)? Or its a totally new card for 100 to 200 cards
3. U mention can change language example i say in english one two three to ten for the dots for 1 whole week. Then when is it right to start and change to chinese language?
Likewise for pictures(such as vehicles set) also right?
4. I should not introduce alphabets to my baby yet coz she is still small, should start off with pictures only is it? Cause I read up somewhere stating words (reading) and alphabets should only come at the later stage . What about phonics? As it comprises of alphabet.
And if allowed to do, how should I go about? Like how u mention pictorial > abstract form > pictorial > abstract form
Am i right?
Is just whether i can show her alphabets as a start altogether or just flash the pictures and i say the name of the picture out loud and the abstract form (words) comes in only after she gets bored of all her many sets of cards?
5. How should I go about planning the cards to flash for the week and the month/throughout the year?
Hope to seek all your expert advice on these questions!
Thank you so much mommy mievee!!!
Take care and stay safe!
Hi Jeanette, thank you very much for your message. I feel your excitement! Since your questions need detailed replies, I’ll be sending you an email. Look out for your inbox. 😉