One thing that I have found extremely useful in regards to students remembering ideas and concepts is the use of anchor charts.  These helpful little posters got their name because they are supposed to "anchor" a student's knowledge to that concept.  I use these throughout the year.  I always have students copy the anchor chart to keep in their ELA notebook.

I thought I would share several of the ones that I used at the end of the year last year.  I cut pieces of bulletin board paper if I don't have one of the big chart pads available.  Now, I'm not an elementary teacher, so I don't have perfect handwriting or the best illustrations, but they work.  :-)