Working Memory in Children:
What Parents Should Know
Having a good working memory is essential for
children to learn and succeed at school. Working
memory allows us to process, store, and recall
information quickly. It helps us remember things like
instructions, stories we read, or math problems that
need solving. Unfortunately, many children struggle
with their working memory as they grow up. As
parents, it’s important to understand how this
affects our kids and what we can do to help them
develop better working memories.
Working memory is a cognitive skill that enables
children to remember and process information.
It helps them store and recall information in the
moment, which is essential for everyday tasks like
following instructions, problem solving,
understanding new concepts, and more. As children
grow, they become better able to utilize their
working memories to learn effectively and perform
well in school. Research shows that workingmemory is strongly linked to academic
performance, particularly in math and reading.
Studies have also found that children with poor
working memories are more likely to experience
learning difficulties as they get older. For this
reason, it’s important for parents to recognize any
signs of difficulty in their child's development so
they can take steps to support them.
One of the best ways to help your child develop their
working memory is through regular practice.
This can take many forms, including games and
activities that require them to remember
instructions or rules, like Simon Says or Memory
Match. Other ideas include reciting nursery rhymes
or poems, counting objects aloud, and writing
stories with a beginning, middle, and end.
Encouraging healthy sleep habits is another way to
help your child with their working memory.
Research shows that poor sleep can lead to
decreased cognitive performance and reduces the
ability of the brain to store new information for later
recall. So, make sure your child is getting enough
good quality rest each night and try not to let them
stay up too late.Another way parents can help their child develop
their working memory is by encouraging online
quizzes and activities that focus on cognitive tasks.
Online quizzes are a great way to challenge children
to practice their mental skills, such as remembering
information presented in different formats,
understanding spatial relationships, and following
directions.
These online games can be found online for free or
at a very minimal cost. You can also help your child
boost their working memory by incorporating
physical activities into their day. Physical activities,
such as playing hopscotch, jacks or jump rope can
help children build their short-term memory and
attention skills. Physical activity has been shown to
increase alertness, improve learning, and even lead
to better academic performance.
Finally, parents can encourage their child’s working
memory by establishing routines at home.
Establishing a bedtime routine or having them
complete the same tasks each day can help
children remember what is expected of them and
build their organizational skills. Setting aside time
for your child to practice their working memoryskills can help them strengthen this vital skill.
Parents may notice that their child has difficulty
with tasks that require use of working memory
skills. Here are some common signs of weak
working memory skills:
) Difficulty following directions
)) Trouble staying focused and on task for an
extended period of time
) Struggling to complete multi-step assignments or
projects due to forgetting earlier steps in the
process
) Forgetting to bring home or bring to school items
needed for class, such as books or homework
assignments
) Difficulty with tasks that require multiple pieces of
information to be remembered and used at once,
like math problems
)) Poor performance on tests despite studying
If you notice any of these signs, contact your child's
teacher or doctor. They may be able to refer you to a
specialist who can assess your child for working
memory issues and provide specific strategies for
addressing them. Memory strategies such asmnemonics, chunking (breaking tasks down into
smaller parts), and visualization techniques
— Time management skills to help with organizing
and completing tasks
— Problem solving techniques that promote flexible
thinking and creative solutions
- Social and emotional support to help with feelings
of frustration and anxiety that can result from
working memory issues
By providing extra assistance and guidance, parents
can work together with their child’s teachers and
other professionals to create a supportive learning
environment where the child can excel.
Technology has come a long way in recent years,
and it can be a great tool for helping children with
working memory challenges.
There are many apps, software programs, and tools
available that can help kids build their working
memory skills. Some of these include: Brain-traininggames, logic puzzles, and other apps are widely
available and can help kids hone their memory skills.
Software such as Cogmed and Jungle Memory can
be used to help children practice remembering and
recalling information in a fun, game-like
environment.
Tools such as Concept Mapping and Idea Mapping
can help kids organize their thoughts, ideas, and
memories in a visual way.
Digital calendars such as Google Calendar are great
for helping children remember important dates and
tasks.
Apps like Todoist or Remember The Milk can help
kids keep track of their daily tasks and activities.
Technology can be a great tool for helping children
with working memory challenges. However, it’s
important to remember that technology should
never replace the vital role parents play in their
child’s development and education.There are several ways that parents can support
their children’s working memory development,
including providing them with enriching learning
experiences, engaging in regular dialogues about
the material they are learning, encouraging daily
reading and problem-solving activities, and helping
to develop their organizational skills.
Cultivating a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep,
good nutrition, and regular exercise will help your
child’s brain to develop properly.
It is important to remember that every child learns
differently, so it is important to consult with an
educational specialist if you believe your child may
be struggling with their working memory
development.
Regardless of your own experiences or those of
other parents, being patient and understanding
when helping encourage working memory growth in
your children will help them feel supported and
motivated.
With the right resources and a bit of patience, youcan help your child to grow and develop their
working memory skills.
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