Learning and attention
How can teachers support a child's working memory?
Direct answer
Reduce unnecessary information, present manageable steps and provide an external reminder of what needs to be done. Working memory helps hold and use information during a task. Practical support should focus on access to learning rather than promising to increase memory capacity.
What this means in practice
If a child forgets a multi-step direction, repeating it louder may not help. Show the steps, model the first one and let the child refer back. Check understanding of the content as well as the demand to remember instructions.
Practical next steps
- Keep directions concise.
- Provide a visible checklist.
- Let the child explain the next step.
Illustrative example
During a craft task, keep a picture sequence nearby so a learner can check the stage without relying only on a spoken explanation.
What to keep in mind
Persistent difficulties should be explored with the school's support team and family.
Sources and further reading
- Harvard Center on the Developing Child: Executive function
- EEF: Strategies for pupils with additional needs
The sources inform the explanation. Practical examples are educational illustrations, not individual clinical advice. How these answers are prepared.
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