Looking back, I totally remember one teacher doing something like this in elementary school, although I don't remember what we were trying to memorize or what the point was ^^;
I do remember everyone being kind of engaged and into it though since it was more fun than sitting at your desk and listening to a lecture (unless it was a particularly interesting lecture).
The list had 20 items and it took multiple days for everyone to memorize it though lol (but not the whole class time each day of course)
Also I feel sorry for that cat even though it's imaginary