Improving your child’s memory
Your child’s working memory - their cognitive workbench.
Does your child have a difficult time staying on task when asked to complete multiple step problems or tasks? He may have a working memory problem. If a child has difficulties with their working memory, a simple request of “Go brush your teeth, grab your sweater and check your backpack before the bus.” can turn into many minutes going by and you find your child standing in their room with one shoe, and their toothbrush wondering what it was you wanted them to do. I know this sounds like it is an attention issue - but not always! Your working memory affects your ability to hold information long enough so you can use it. When you can’t, you loose a bit of the directions that were given. It is like trying to bake
a batch of cookies with only part of the ingredients - if you forget the flour, the cookies just won’t come out right! Children with working memory issues will have a very difficult time completing multiple step questions in math, such as word problems, adding and multiplying fractions, algebraic problems, etc. They know how to add, they recognize what it means when asked “what is the total”, and they even can determine the two numbers in the problem that need to be calculated. They can do each individual step, but keeping all of this information current in their mind is difficult. They will look confused, and often “forget a step”, therefore getting the problem incorrect. If your child has difficulties with multiple step directions try the following:
1. Lists, Lists Lists! They should make a list for everything - even common tasks. Once they have used the list for long enough they may not need it anymore. For example, make them a “GOOD Morning To Do List”. Put it on a clip board and have them carry it around all morning through each step until the list is completed. Keep doing this every day for 2 complete weeks. At the end of 2 weeks, have them try the morning routine without the list. If they are still getting “side tracked”, have them use the list for 1 more week, and so on. Remember to place the clip board next to their bed the night before so it is the first thing they see in the morning. (This is effective with children as young as 7 if the list has pictures!)2. Break down mutli-step problems with them. Have them ask themselves “what are they asking me?”, and then make a list of the steps they should take to get to the answer. Tuck the notes away for the next time they are faced with a similar problem, refer to the notes and say “what did you do the last time?”.
3. Create a binder in your home of notes and lists that is readily available to your child. Break it down into sections such as: Math, science, writing, household chores, etc.4. Bake with your child. Baking is an excellent way to practice multi-step directions. Look for boxed mixes that have pictures on them like “what you’ll need” picturing the ingredients that are in the recipe. Then followed by step-by-step instructions.5. Create a math “tool box” using a pencil box and note cards. List on the cards math rules for various math computation problems that require multiple steps such as: adding and subtracting fractions. Make cards for word problems giving the definition of common phrases like: “what is the difference between”; ”how many times more”; ”how much less”; “what is the total amount”, and so on. Also handy to have in the box: rulers, calculators, multiplication tables, conversions for measuring.6. Play chess with your child. There are some great beginner sets for sale with the moves printed on the playing pieces. Playing chess is a great way to strengthen working memory. Your child’s working memory can and will improve with practice. Teacher’s should be aware that multi-step directions are difficult for your child, and if they are on an I.E.P., ensure that accommodations are in place to address their working memory difficulties..
