What Do Working Memory Problems Look Like in Kids?

With working memory reported to be the number one indicator of academic success, it's surprising that most teachers and parents know little about it. Working memory is like a mental dry erase board where we post information until we need to use it in short-term memory.  This information is accessible through one's inner visualizations as well as one's inner voice.
There are a Number of Misconceptions about Working Memory:

1) Myth: Kids with a weak working memory have ADHD or other learning disabilities.
1) Truth: Some kids just have a weak working memory that doesn't warrant a diagnosis of ADHD or a learning disability.

2) Myth: Kids with a weak working memory can't remember what they learn.
2) Truth: Memory strategies & exercises can bypass and remediate a weak working memory.

 3) Myth: Kids with a weak working memory always have problems with executive functioning skills.
3) Truth: Working memory is only one small part of executive functioning. To learn more about executive functioning CLICK HERE.

 4) Myth: Kids with a weak working memory have a hard time developing this skill.

You Might Have Working Memory Problems if You:
  1. forget needed materials at home and at school.
  2. require prompts to complete homework.
  3. need to re-read text.
  4. have difficulties memorizing math facts.
  5. have trouble comprehending a story.
  6. have trouble remembering how to use grammar and sentence structure.
  7. have difficulty following multi-step directions.
  8. have trouble completing complex assignments.
  9. struggle doing mental math.
  10. need for more time and repetition.
What are Three Ways to Improve Working Memory?
The best way to improve working memory is to help kids become aware of their own cognition and take an active and present role in the learning process. One can nurture this by:
  1. Exercising working memory and
    1. using highly structured and organized materials and tools such as those present in Planning Time Management and Organization for Success and The Ultimate, Mindful and Editable Planner/Agenda
    2. doing exercises such as those present in the Working Memory and Hemisphere Integration Bundle and Following Directions Bundle.
    3. playing games that exercise working memory such as those presented in the Executive Functioning Games Bundle.
  2. Developing learner's capabilities to visualize.  I offer both PowerPoints and fun activities that help to develop this skill.  To learn more CLICK HERE.
  3. Managing one's inner voice.  I offer a blog that can tell you more about developing this skill as well as task cards. 
Providing fun and engaging activities that require working memory such as Red Light, Green Light can help. However, ready-made activities that specifically exercise working memory can save time and focus an intervention plan. Come download some FREE SAMPLE ACTIVITIES. Also, if you would like to learn about all my multisensory tools that develop working memory, CLICK HERE.

Cheers, Erica
Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator, and publisher of multisensory educational materials at Good Sensory Learning and Dyslexia Materials. She is also the director of Learning to Learn and Learning Specialist Courses.

· Blog: www.learningspecialistmaterials.blogspot.com
· YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/warrenerica1
· Podcast: https://godyslexia.com/
· Store: http://www.Goodsensorylearning.com/ & www.dyslexiamaterials.com
· Courses: http://www.learningspecialistcourses.com/
Newsletter Sign-up: https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/69400

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Accommodating Students with Dyslexia: 12 Strategies for Success

Image
Students with dyslexia or symptoms of dyslexia often struggle in school. It is not that they have limited abilities.  On the contrary, many have IQs in the above average or genius range. As a result, instead of a dumbed down curriculum, these students need to be challenged and they need to receive accommodations, modifications and multisensory teaching techniques to unleash their learning potential.   What makes it difficult to accommodate students with dyslexia is that each student has their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Yes, two students with dyslexia don’t have the same pattern of cognitive processing deficits. In fact, there are a number of profiles that can lead to this diagnosis . In addition, there are a number of specific cognitive skills that can cause symptoms of dyslexia . Consequently, a successful remediation often requires a tailored, individualized approach.  To tap into the quickest results, I have learned that one has to look at the specific cognitive difficul
Read more

Finding the Best College for Students with Learning Disabilities

Image
Finding the best college is tricky for any student, but for those with learning disabilities (LDs) it can be an even bigger feat.  In fact, the perfect school is out there for practically anyone, but finding it, takes some time and persistence.  There are a number of options for students with LDs from colleges that cater primarily to this population to larger universities that offer specialized programs.  With the proper testing in hand, all schools are mandated to provide reasonable accommodations, but not all institutions make it an easy task. What Are My Options? Pre-colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities: These programs help to prepare students for the rigors of college and make sure they have the study skills, basic math, reading and writing capabilities needed to be a successful student.  This might be a summer program or an additional year - commonly called a 13th year.  For example, Thames at Mitchell College is a unique transition program on a college campus. Coll
Read more

Important Dyslexia Accommodations in the Classroom

Image
Getting a school to recognize, test, and then accommodate your child with dyslexia can be an arduous and frustrating task. Although public school systems can accommodate the individual needs of our struggling students, many administrators don’t like to tap into the general education coffers for a single student. As a result, parents often have to rally and wrestle to obtain reasonable accommodations for their children with dyslexia and other disabilities that impact learning. The key to navigating this slippery slope is to understand the laws, the lingo as well as the menus of mandated accommodations and modifications. What are my Options? There are two options for acquiring accommodations: 504: A 504 is a formal plan that protects the rights of students with disabilities in school. Covered under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, this civil rights law gives students with disabilities access to services and supports in the general education classroom. There are no mandated rules on
Read more