The peg system is good for memorizing an ordered list of words as well as the specific numbers associated with the words. (Benjamin, Hopkins, & Natio, 1994.p.268) The key to success in using the peg system is visual association. For example, what is the 6th item on the list?

The key to success in using the peg system is visual assosiation. In order to use the peg system, you must first memorize this reference list. This is easier than it may sound because the words rhyme with the number. You could substitute your own words if they are easier for you to remember or to visualize. The key to using the peg system will be to visualize these images with another object.

Here is our list of peg words for 1-10:

1. bun
2. shoe
3. tree
4. door
5. hive
6. sticks
7. heaven
8. gate
9. line or shine or vine
10. hen

Next, match each of these items with the list of words you want to remember. It becomes a task similar to the Imagery activity in which you had to remember word pairs using visualization. Now, the list of first-words will always be the same. Because your reference list will already be associated with a set of numbers, you will able to easily associate each new word with a number. Try the peg system activity to see how this method works for you.

Why you would want to remember a list of specific words? There are several possibile uses for this method. If you have a list of things to do, you can give each item on your list a keyword that will help you remember the whole concept.

For example: If you have to write an entry in your journal for school, the word "journal" should help you remember that. You also have a geometry assignment due tomorrow, think of large, colorful geometric shapes. You also have to read a chapter from your history textbook. You could use either a mental image of your textbook, or an image that represents the topic in history that you are studying. Let's say you also had to walk the dog. Perhaps "leash" would be a good keyword." Then, you also have to remember to feed your dog - how about a dog bowl? You also plan to eat supper with your family - perhaps a plate, or the dining room table would be good for this. You don't want to forget to brush your teeth after dinner. After dinner, you put your pajamas on, drink a glass of water, and read before going to sleep. You can use the peg system to track your schedule. Of course some of these activities don't really need to be on the list because they are so obvious, but we are just using them to make the example longer so you can get a good idea of how it can be used.

1. bun + journal
2. shoe + geometry shapes
3. tree + history book
4. door + leash
5. hive + dog bowl
6. sticks + plate
7. heaven + toothbrush
8. gate + pajamas
9. vine + water
10. hen + sleep

This method could also be used for a grocery list, or for remembering, for example, the list of presidents. If, however, the list of words is longer than ten, you must come up with and memorize a longer reference list. Since the rhyming sounds become repetetive, it may be better to use the number-letter system, a different system that can be used to create a new reference list.