Working memory is essential for everyday learning and completing tasks at home. Children with working memory challenges may struggle to retain information, follow instructions, and complete assignments.
This article provides strategies for parents to support their child's working memory at home by fostering a supportive learning environment, using multi-channel processing techniques, and teaching independent learning skills.
Remember, most of these recommendations will be about coping with working memory issues, as it's very difficult to improve on the underlying ability in this regard.
Supportive Home Learning
Supportive home learning involves creating a home environment that accommodates your child's working memory challenges. This includes discussing realistic outcomes with your child and providing guidance on managing their learning effectively.
How this helps
Parents can help reduce the cognitive load on their child’s working memory by setting clear expectations and providing consistent support. This approach ensures that the child feels supported and can confidently approach learning tasks.
Tips
Set Realistic Expectations
Discuss with your child regularly what they can realistically achieve in their homework and study sessions. Focus on progress rather than perfection, and celebrate small successes.
Create a Quiet Study Space
Designate a quiet, organised area at home where your child can work without distractions. This helps them focus better and reduces the strain on their working memory.
Regular Check-ins
Check in with your child regularly to see how they are managing their tasks. Offer help when needed, and encourage them to take breaks to avoid mental fatigue.
Multi-Sensory
Multi-Sensory activities involves using various methods to present information, such as visual aids, verbal explanations, videos, and hands-on activities. This approach helps reinforce learning by engaging multiple senses and reducing the burden on working memory.
How this helps
Using multiple channels to present information allows children to absorb and retain information more effectively. This is especially beneficial for children with working memory challenges, as it provides multiple ways to access and process the material.
Tips
Use Visual Aids
Incorporate diagrams, charts, or colour-coded notes into your child’s study materials. Visual aids can help them organize and recall information more easily.
Hands-On Learning:
Engage your child in hands-on activities, such as building models, conducting experiments, or creating art projects that relate to their studies. This active learning approach can make complex concepts more tangible and easier to remember.
Chunking
Chunking is a strategy that involves breaking down larger pieces of information into smaller, more manageable "chunks." This method makes it easier for children to process and retain information by reducing the cognitive load on their working memory.
How this helps
By dividing information into smaller chunks, children can focus on one piece of information at a time, making it less overwhelming and easier to remember. This technique is particularly useful for tasks like reading, studying, and problem-solving.
Tips
Break Down Reading Tasks
Divide a reading assignment into smaller sections, allowing your child to focus on one section at a time before moving on to the next.
Use Chunking in Study Sessions
Encourage your child to study in chunks, focusing on one concept or topic at a time. This helps them retain information better and makes study sessions more manageable.
Apply Chunking to Daily Routines
Break down daily tasks or homework into smaller steps, allowing your child to complete each step before moving on to the next. This approach reduces overwhelm and helps them stay organised.
Scaffolding
Scaffolding is a teaching method that involves providing temporary support to help a child achieve a task they might not be able to accomplish on their own. As the child becomes more competent, the support is gradually removed.
How this helps
Scaffolding helps children build their skills and confidence by guiding them through tasks step-by-step. This method is especially effective for children with working memory challenges, as it allows them to learn and practice new skills in a structured and supportive environment.
Tips
Provide Step-by-Step Guidance:
Start by breaking down a task into smaller steps and guiding your child through each step. As they become more confident, encourage them to try the steps on their own.
Use Visual Scaffolds:
Create visual aids, such as checklists or flowcharts, that outline the steps of a task. These can serve as a reference for your child as they work independently.
Gradually Reduce Support:
As your child becomes more comfortable with a task, gradually reduce the amount of help you provide. This encourages independence and helps them build confidence in their abilities.
Tips for Revision
Sometimes, children with working memory issues can struggle with poor organisational skills, which can make their revision less effective. These children may find it difficult to hold on to multiple pieces of information at once, leading to gaps in their learning or making it harder to recall key facts when they need them. To help these children revise more effectively, here are some practical tips that can make a big difference in their preparation for exams.
How this helps
By dividing information into smaller chunks, children can focus on one piece of information at a time, making it less overwhelming and easier to remember. This technique is particularly useful for tasks like reading, studying, and problem-solving.
Tips
Break Tasks Into Small Steps:
Divide revision into manageable chunks, focusing on one section at a time to prevent feeling overwhelmed.
Use Visual Aids:
Visual tools like diagrams and flashcards make information easier to understand and remember.
Repetition and Spaced Learning:
Encourage short, regular revision sessions. Revisiting material over time helps to strengthen memory.
Practice Retrieval:
Self-testing through questions or flashcards can boost memory by actively recalling information.
Structured Revision Plan:
A simple timetable or checklist helps children stay organised and focused during their revision sessions.
Mind Mapping
Mind mapping is especially helpful for children with working memory difficulties. It visually organises information, showing how different ideas connect. Starting with a central concept, children can branch out into related ideas, making complex topics more manageable. Using colour, images, and symbols can make mind maps more engaging and memorable, helping children revise in a way that reduces the strain on their working memory. If you're child is dyslexic and/or has good visual skills, this can be very effective.
Mind maps are easy to update, so they become a valuable resource throughout the revision process. Here is a great video for showing you how to do it.
Note-taking
Note-taking is great as a working memory strategy, particularly if a child has strengths in other areas. We have written about this in more detail. Check out our article for the best ways to do this.