At Bridges for Learning we often work with children to develop their working memory. Poor working memory can affect a child’s ability to follow directions, understand information, complete tasks, read and comprehend texts, answer questions, complete maths problems both mentally and as a process and form ideas in writing. In other words, it can greatly impact on a child’s ability to learn.
What is working memory?
Working memory involves our ability to hold information in our mind for short periods (that’s the memory part) in order to do something with it (that’s the working part).
Now imagine a child reading and they get to a word that they need to decode. They spend a bit of time sounding out the word and trying to apply different spelling strategies. By the time they have figured out the word, they have often forgotten what they have read. When someone asks them a question about the text, they are unable to answer because they can not recall the information to respond.
Working memory involves our ability to hold information in our mind for short periods (that’s the memory part) in order to do something with it (that’s the working part).
How can we support children who struggle with working memory?
Here are a few ways to support children who need to develop their working memory.
• Teach children strategies for dealing with working memory issues such as the use of word banks, letter or number charts, re-reading the text, asking for help.
• Teach new information/ skills using a multi-sensory approach (say it, draw it, build it, create a rhyme or chant).
• Break tasks into smaller steps. For example, rather than saying ‘Tidy your room’, say, ‘Make your bed and put the toys in the toy box’.
• Slow down when giving verbal instructions and keep them to a minimum.
• Have children repeat verbal instructions back to you. It can be helpful to get them to say, “First I will…. and then I will….”. You can also show them with your fingers how many jobs they have.
• Provide additional time to process information.
• Use visuals to support tasks such as a morning routine poster. For example https://overthebigmoon.com/morning-routine-printables/
• Have children draw or create mind-map for what they are learning.
• Create to do lists.
• Reduce distractions (noise, other students, interruptions)
• Connect new information to their own experience.
• Play games such as memory, Simon says or complete obstacle courses .
Getting additional support
If you are concerned about your child’s working memory, talk to your child’s teacher or educator and ask how they can assist your child. The team at Bridges for Learning can also offer support to develop working memory.
If you have questions about our services, please contact us for a chat.