Five Ways to Support Working Memory Difficulties in Children

Working memory is a process that allows us to hold and manipulate information temporarily in our mind in order to carry out complex mental tasks. Working memory is involved in many aspects of learning and development, as well as problem solving, and decision making. Working memory is limited in capacity and duration, meaning that it can only hold a certain amount of information for a brief period of time. This is why we often forget information we were just told, especially if we were not paying close attention to it. Children with strong working memory skills are better able to follow directions, remember information, and complete complex tasks. 

Working memory difficulties can impact a child's academic performance and daily life. Children with working memory difficulties may have trouble remembering instructions, completing multi-step tasks, and paying attention in class. They may also struggle with reading comprehension, math skills, and problem-solving. It is important for parents, teachers, and other caregivers to be aware of the signs of working memory difficulties in children and to provide support as needed to help improve their working memory skills.

Here are 5 ways you can help support a child who has working many difficulties:

1. Giving one direction at a time and break tasks into smaller chunks:
   
   Children with working memory difficulties often struggle with multi-step tasks. Breaking tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps can help them remember what they need to do. For example, if a child needs to do a list of activities before bed, break these down rather than giving them all the steps at once.
   
   
2. Use multisensory approaches to help the child remember information:
   
   Some children may benefit from information being presented in multi formats, such as in visual, auditory and kinaesthetic ways. For example, using pictures or diagrams to represent concepts can help the child remember the information. Additionally, using visual schedules or checklists can help the child remember what they need to do next.
   
   
3. Provide reminders: 
   
   Children with working memory difficulties may need reminders to help them remember important information. For example, if they need to remember to bring a book to school, set a reminder on their phone or provide a visual cue, such as placing the book by the door. Creating and checking off lists can also be helpful.
   
   
4. Active listening and repetition. 
   
   When providing information to a child to remember, encourage them to engage in active listening by encouraging them to ask questions to help better understand the information and ask them to repeat the information back to you, or themselves.
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5. Use memory games, exercises, and mnemonics: There are many memory games and exercises that can help improve working memory in children. For example, playing memory card games or practicing recalling sequences of numbers or letters can help strengthen their working memory. Teaching children mnemonic strategies such as acronyms, song or word associations can also help them remember information.

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Sarah Kruse
Provisional Psychologist