First thing to note is that the core charge is periodic. Core charge is 1+ 2+ 3+ etc right up to 8+ and then it repeats. Furthermore, core charge is synchronous with the group numbers. Group 1 has core charge 1+, Group 15 has core charge 5+, and group 18 has core charge 8+.
The next thing to notice is that the valence electron configuration is also periodic, in a way that is simpler than the B - R diagram. A student drawing the elements in Row 4 simply lists the core charges in order:
1+ 2+ 3+ 4+ 5+ 6+ 7+ 8+
The electron configuration follows exactly the same pattern.
Finally, the atomic radius is periodic. The radius in each row decreases monotonically, largest to smallest. Each subsequent row has a larger radius, because it is a higher valence shell. Apart from that, it follows the same pattern.
I find that even my grade 9 students (13 - 14 years of age) who normally struggle to learn can reproduce every aspect of the table above in 10 minutes. Except for the element names and symbols. I let the students pick those up gradually as they become familiar.
Now... is that easy to learn, or what? You are welcome to download this image for projection, or use in your own learning materials, as long as it is not published for profit. Just don't remove the name. I'm sure you understand.
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