Introduction

Working memory relates to how we retain and use information stored in short-term memory. Previously, the terms working memory and short-term memory were used interchangeably.

Working memory is constantly used by children to learn. It is required for tasks like following multi-step instructions or mentally solving a math problem. You may assist your youngster in improving their working memory by incorporating basic methods into daily living.

10 Simple and Proven Methods to Improve your Child''s Working Memory

Working memory is a crucial component of laying a firm foundation for learning, both in and out of the classroom. A good working memory can help your child do better in school, perform better on examinations, and get higher grades. Sharp working memory abilities, on the other hand, are not something that people are born with; they develop and improve as they are utilized. 

1. Improve your visualization abilities.

Encourage children to envision what they''ve just read or heard in their minds. Assume you''ve instructed your child to arrange the table for five guests. Allow your youngster to visualize how the table should appear and then sketch it. As children get more adept at picturing, they may explain the image rather than sketching it. This helps in improving their working memory. 

2. Allow your child to teach you.

Making sense of information and mentally filing it is required to describe how to perform any task. This helps in improving their working memory. Perhaps your kid is learning a new skill, such as how to dribble a basketball. Request that your child teach you this skill. Teachers do something similar in a class by partnering up with students. This enables them to begin working with the information right away rather than waiting for their chance.

3. Experiment with memory games.

Several matching games can help children improve their visual memory, such as the popular game Concentration. You may also offer them a magazine page and instruct them to circle any instances of the word ‘the’ or the letter ‘a’. License plates may be a lot of fun as well. Take turns saying the letters and digits of a license plate backwards.

4. Use playing cards.

Simple card games such as Crazy Eights, Uno, Go Fish, and War can help with working memory in two ways. The rules of the game must be followed by the children. They must also recall which cards they hold and which others have played.

5. Promote active reading.

Highlighters and sticky notes are popular for a reason. Taking notes and underlining or highlighting material might help children retain information long enough to answer questions about it. Working memory can also be improved by talking aloud and asking questions about the reading content. Active reading methods like these can also aid in the formation of long-term working memory.

6. Break the information into smaller chunks.

Have you ever wondered why phone numbers and social security numbers have hyphens? Because remembering a few tiny groups of numbers is easier than remembering a big string of numbers. Keep this in mind the next time you need to give your child multi-step instruction. Make a list of them or deliver to them one at a time. You may also utilize visual organizers to help you break down writing projects into manageable chunks.

7. Make it a multisensory experience.

Using several senses to absorb information can aid with both short-term and long-term working memory. Make a list of tasks for your youngster to look at. Declare them aloud so your kid can hear them. As you go through the house, talk about the household duties that your youngster has to do. Using multimodal techniques can assist children in remembering information long enough to apply it.

8. Assist in the formation of relationships.

Assist your youngster in making associations that link various information and make them more remembered. One method is to pique your child''s attention using amusing mnemonics. (For example, the made-up name “Roy G. Biv” can help children recall the order of the rainbow hues — red, orange, yellow, and so on.) Finding new methods to link information aids in the creation and retrieval of long-term memory. It also aids working memory, which is used to store and compare new and old memories.

9. Make songs and rhymes.

Make a rhyme, poetry, or song with your kid using the facts they are learning. Because our brains are designed to retain music and patterns, utilizing music or rhymes can assist your child in improving their working memory and recall better.

10. Make mind maps.

Make a mental map of different concepts and how they relate to one another. Making links between words and subjects encourages youngsters to actively interact with the information and acquire better knowledge, which is a crucial element of working memory. In the same way that you have to try a little harder to retrieve information from your brain versus being given it, working memory is increased when we''re faced with a task that''s just slightly more difficult.

Conclusion

Practice, like any other talent, makes perfect. To become a working memory master, make sure your youngster exercises their memorizing muscles regularly.

Incorporating these activities and habits into your child''s everyday life will undoubtedly help to improve their working memory. Making time to study and learn things with your child in a pleasant approach will definitely build a great atmosphere for them to learn organically. Your child will be more receptive to learning new things that will stay with them for a long time if you provide gentle support and encouragement.