What is Working Memory?
Working Memory is a part of our short term memory system that relates to immediate perceptive and linguistic sensations. Our working memory typically only temporarily stores this information for immediate use. For example, if someone asked you to remember a short number sequence, your working memory would store this information for a small amount of time while it is relevant to know. Working memory is similar to short term memory in that it stores information for a short amount of time, but different in that our working memory refers to information needed to complete a visual or verbal command. Our working memory manipulates information we hear or see, and allows us to remember small bits of information for small periods of time. If you see a pattern of objects or numbers, or you are asked to remember instructions your working memory will allow you to recall this information in the short run when the information is relevant, not in the long run when the information is no longer necessary to know. Our working memory is limited – it only stores a finite amount of information. This information can only be retained for a brief period of time while we are focused on the information at hand. Because of its short-term nature, working memory is a system that is important for individual learning and comprehension as well as problem solving.
Why is Working Memory Important to Children?
Working memory is an essential storage of information which we need in order to develop our long term memory. New information relies on our working memory to keep the information alive so that we can comprehend and permanently store the new info. The more efficient our working memory is the easier we retain information.
A proper working memory system is crucial for well behaving executive functions and academic performance. Because the working memory system is responsible for converting certain information to the long term memory system, it is used frequently in academic environments. Students typically struggle with retaining information in classes like math, or in situations where they must solve complex problems, remember information from a lengthy reading, or test taking. Children with poor working memory struggle with comprehending and remembering new information. It is essential for children who find difficulty with their working memory to place greater emphasis on repetition of information. Visually seeing and auditorily hearing information repeatedly may help a child to remember.
If a child with a poor working memory does not seek help, they are likely to have difficulty developing reading and writing skills, as well as succeeding academically. A child who struggles with learning comprehension does not mean they are lesser than a child with a well developed working memory, they just need extra assistance in reaching their full potential. If a child has working memory needs that are not met, they are likely to develop other difficulties such as low confidence and social isolation. Children with working memory difficulties typically struggle in many different facets of their lives – aside from academics, they may face every day challenges during tasks such as getting ready in the morning, doing what they are told, and being able to stick to routines.
What are Some Ways in Which My Child Can Improve Their Working Memory?
Children with working memory difficulties can seek assistance from various resources to aid in their learning and development. For example, it is recommended that children consult a speech therapist to supplement their language learning skills. A speech therapist can probe working memory skills to help a child with their linguistic skills.
Children typically are most successful in completing a task when they are assigned small, simple tasks. When you ask your child to clean their room for example, this may be too broad or confusing of a task for a child with a slow working memory. Instead, try telling you child “put away the blocks” as this is a simpler, easier to comprehend message. When messages are minimal, it reduces the working memory load making it easier for the child to complete a task successfully.
Resources
https://childmind.org/article/how-to-help-kids-with-working-memory-issues/
https://childdevelopment.com.au/areas-of-concern/working-memory/
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2007-03302-012
https://srcd.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2009.01282.x
“The Development of Working Memory in Normally Achieving and Sub-types of Learning Disabled Children”
