Boost Your Child’s Working Memory: 7 Proven Tips and Tricks

Let’s start with the very basics first.

What is a “working memory”?

Working memory refers to the short-term manipulation of information that kids use for learning. Previously, the term "working memory" was alternatively used with the term "short-term memory."

The working memory is mainly used by kids for doing tasks like:

• Following a multi-step process (Very important in computer programming that’s going to come as a subject in higher classes).

• Critical problem solving (A real life-changing skill).

• Solving math problems in their head (To speed calculations up).

You, as a parent or a tutor, can play a crucial role in improving the working memory of a kid; something that can help him/her a lot in the long run. The following tips can come in handy for you.

1. Work on the kid’s visualization skills

Encourage the child to picture an image in his/her mind from what he has read or just heard.

For example,

If you are teaching him history based on the Paleolithic age, and things about early men and all, ask the kid to visualize the situation in his/her mind from the description itself. Then, ask him to draw it out on a piece of paper. Such things do help.

2 . Alter roles; make your child teach you

Being able to explain things involves complex and comprehensive visualization of the subject matter.

So why don’t you alter roles with your kid for a certain amount of time to give him/her the platform to explain things to you in particular? Become a student for a few minutes, and make your child the teacher. Such an activity can definitely help the kid gain a brand new perspective on the subject matter.

For example,

If you are teaching football to your kid, ask your kid to show you the different ways to dribble a football. Tell the child that you will learn from his skill.

The same can also be inculcated in academics. Teachers do implement it in classrooms. Why won’t you?

3. Play games that involve the use of working memory

Tons of games are available on the internet that can help to improve the working memory in kids.

Use puzzles, pen and paper games, scrabble, chess, etc. to your benefits. How about the classic Rubik’s cube? It’s old, but it’s still gold.

4. Encourage reading

School textbooks aren’t just going to cut it. You have to go beyond that.

Encourage your child to read stories on his/her own. Then ask him/her to replicate the story to you (As far as s/he can remember it). This is an exquisite brain exercise and can directly have a good hand in improving his/her working memory on the whole.

You can also use the lure of rewards to your advantage.

Tell your kid that if s/he can replicate the entire story in his/her own words to you, in particular, you’ll take him out to ice cream. In case s/he fails, you’ll still take him/her out to ice-cream (but don’t forget to suppress this part of the deal).

5. Encourage your kid to solve complex problems in a step-by-step manner

Complex problems can only be solved in chunks. If you try to do too much within a short time, you will most probably land in a disaster.

Encourage your kid to break down a complex problem into smaller, simpler and achievable goals. Tell him/her to solve it in a step-by-step fashion. Step jumping is something that should be avoided as much as possible because this might lead to errors.

A practice like that can go a long way indeed.

6. Help your kid process information in smaller chunks

Did you ever wonder the reason for which large telephone numbers, credit card numbers or even social security numbers have small hyphens or space in them?

That’s because it’s easier to remember a small group of numbers in comparison to that of a string.

Always take factor into account during your classes or sessions. This will definitely help you maximize the productivity of your classes.

7. Use mnemonics

Mnemonics are a fun way to process information. Use them to your child’s advantage.

Lastly, do remember that you cannot improve your child’s working memory in a single day. It requires practice; routine practice, to be more specific. So bear with your kid. Persist, and you’ll definitely see the results in due time.