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 Understanding and Supporting
Your Child’s Working Memory
Working memory is an important cognitive skill that plays a crucial role in
your child's learning and daily life. It helps them remember and manipulate
information in their mind, follow instructions, solve problems, and stay
organized.
This handout provides information on how working memory manifests in
children, what it can look like when a child is struggling, and strategies to
support and improve a child's working memory.

What is Working Memory?

Working memory is the brain's ability to hold and manipulate information in
our mind for a short period. It helps children keep important information in
their thoughts and use it to complete tasks, learn new concepts, and make
connections between ideas. Working memory is like a mental workspace
that allows children to work with information and apply it in various situations.

How Does Working Memory Manifest in Children?

Working memory abilities can vary among children. Some children may
naturally have stronger working memory skills, while others may struggle with
it. Here are some signs that may indicate a child is experiencing challenges
with working memory:
• Difficulty remembering and following multi-step instructions.
• Forgetfulness, such as forgetting to bring materials home or complete
assignments.
• Trouble staying focused and easily getting distracted.
• Difficulties with organization and keeping track of things.
• Struggles with problem-solving and mental math.
• Inability to hold information in mind and recall it
accurately.
• Challenges with planning and prioritizing tasks.
 Understanding and Supporting Your Child’s
Working Memory Continued
Strategies for Supporting and Improving Working Memory:
As a parent, there are several strategies you can implement to support and
enhance your child's working memory skills. Here are some effective strategies
to consider:

1. Provide Visual Aids: Use visual aids like charts, calendars, and checklists to
help your child visualize and organize information. Visuals can serve as
external memory supports and assist them in remembering important tasks,
deadlines, and routines.
2. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Help your child break down complex tasks
or assignments into smaller, more manageable steps. This approach allows
them to focus on one step at a time, reducing the working memory load
and increasing the chances of successful completion.
3. Establish Routines: Establish consistent routines and structure in your child's
daily life. Routines provide predictability and reduce the cognitive load of
remembering and organizing multiple tasks throughout the day.
4. Encourage Active Listening: Teach your child active listening strategies,
such as summarizing or repeating instructions, to reinforce their working
memory. Encourage them to ask clarifying questions if needed to ensure
they understand and remember the information correctly.
5. Provide Opportunities for Practice: Engage your child in activities that
challenge and exercise their working memory. Games like memory
matching, puzzles, and strategy games can help strengthen their working
memory skills in a fun and engaging way.
6. Teach Memory Strategies: Introduce memory strategies such as
visualization, association, and mnemonic devices. Teach your child how to
create mental images, make connections between information, and use
memory aids like acronyms or rhymes to remember important details.
7. Use External Memory Tools: Assist your child in utilizing external memory
tools such as digital calendars, reminder apps, or organizers. These tools
can help them offload some of the memory demands and provide them
with a reliable system for remembering tasks and deadlines.

Remember, working memory is a skill that can be developed with practice and
support. Be patient and offer encouragement as your child works on improving
their working memory abilities. If you have concerns about your child's working
memory or if their struggles significantly impact their academic performance or
daily life, consider consulting with their teacher or a healthcare professional for
further guidance and support.
Boosting Working Memory Skills: A Step-by-Step Guide
for Students Struggling with Working Memory

Step 1: Introduction and Explanation

• Start by introducing the concept of working memory in a kid-friendly way.
Explain that working memory is like a mental notepad that helps us
remember and use information in our mind.
• Emphasize that some students may find working memory challenging, but
it's a skill that can be improved with practice and strategies.

Step 2: Model and Demonstrate

• Model working memory skills by demonstrating how you remember and
manipulate information. For example, show them how you remember a
list of items or solve a math problem step-by-step in your mind.
• Explain your thinking process, including strategies like visualization,
repeating information, or using associations to remember.

Step 3: Break Tasks into Smaller Steps

• Break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps. For example, if the task
is to pack a backpack, break it down into steps like gathering books,
organizing supplies, and placing everything in the bag.
• Guide the student through each step, discussing how they can use their
working memory to remember and complete each step.

Step 4: Use Visual Supports

• Introduce visual aids, such as charts, graphic organizers, or sticky notes.
These visuals can help students externalize and organize information,
reducing the working memory load.
• Model how to use these visual supports and encourage the student to
create their own when needed.

Step 5: Practice Memory Games and Exercises

• Engage the student in memory games and exercises to practice and
strengthen their working memory. These can include activities like
memory matching games, repeating back a series of numbers or letters,
or remembering a sequence of actions.
• Start with simpler tasks and gradually increase the complexity as their skills
improve.
 A Step-by-Step Guide for Students Struggling with
Working Memory Continued

Step 6: Teach Memory Strategies

• Teach specific memory strategies that can aid working memory. These
strategies include visualization (creating mental images), chunking
(grouping information into meaningful chunks), and using mnemonic
devices (such as acronyms or rhymes).
• Practice these strategies together and encourage the student to use
them independently when faced with memory challenges.

Step 7: Provide Support and Feedback

• Offer support, encouragement, and praise as the student practices their
working memory skills. Provide constructive feedback and guidance
when needed.
• Celebrate their progress and efforts, highlighting improvements in their
ability to remember and use information effectively.

Step 8: Generalize and Apply Skills

• Encourage the student to generalize their working memory skills to various
tasks and situations. Help them see how working memory can be applied
in different areas, such as academics, organization, or problem-solving.
• Prompt them to reflect on their progress and how their improved working
memory skills positively impact their learning and daily life.

Remember, every student is unique, and progress may vary. Be patient,

provide ongoing support, and adjust the difficulty level of activities as
needed. Regular practice and reinforcement of working memory strategies
will help students develop stronger working memory skills over time.
 Supporting Working Memory: Strategies for
Enhancing Memory Retention and Recall
Auditory Memory:
• Provide verbal instructions in clear, concise language.
• Use repetition and provide opportunities for students to practice auditory
recall.
• Utilize auditory cues or mnemonics to aid memory retention.
• Break down information into smaller chunks or steps.

Visual Memory:
• Utilize visual aids, such as charts, diagrams, or graphic organizers, to reinforce
visual memory.
• Encourage students to create mental images or visualize information they are
trying to remember.
• Highlight or color-code important information to enhance visual memory cues.
• Use gestures or visual cues during instruction to support memory retrieval.

Spatial Memory:
• Provide consistent and organized physical spaces to aid spatial memory.
• Use visual cues or landmarks to help students remember spatial relationships.
• Encourage students to create mental maps or diagrams to reinforce spatial
memory.
• Utilize hands-on activities or manipulatives to support spatial memory
development.

Verbal Memory:
• Encourage students to actively listen and engage in classroom discussions.
• Provide opportunities for students to summarize or restate information in their
own words.
• Use repetition and rehearsal techniques to reinforce verbal memory.
• Incorporate verbal activities, such as storytelling or recitation, to support verbal
memory retention.

Working Memory Capacity:

• Break down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
• Utilize visual or written cues to offload information from working memory.
• Provide regular opportunities for review and repetition.
• Use scaffolding techniques, such as guided practice or modeling, to support
working memory capacity.

Remember, every student is unique, and their working memory strengths and
weaknesses may vary. It's important to assess individual students' needs and
provide appropriate accommodations and strategies tailored to their specific
working memory challenges.
 Mnemonic Devices for Enhanced Working Memory

What are Mnemonic Devices? Mnemonic devices are memory aids or techniques
that help students remember information more effectively. They provide students
with strategies to organize, associate, or visualize information in a way that makes
it easier to recall.

How Mnemonic Devices Can Help Students with Working Memory: Working
memory is essential for remembering and manipulating information in our minds.
Mnemonic devices can support students with working memory challenges by
providing external tools and strategies to offload some of the memory load.

Here's how mnemonic devices can help:

• Organization: Mnemonics help students organize information into meaningful
patterns or structures. By organizing information in a systematic way, it
becomes easier to remember and retrieve.
• Association: Mnemonics create associations between new information and
existing knowledge. By linking new content with familiar concepts, students can
easily recall the information when needed.
• Visualization: Visual mnemonics use mental images to represent information. By
creating vivid and memorable pictures in their minds, students can enhance
their memory and recall the associated details.
• Repetition: Many mnemonic devices involve repetition. By repeating or
reviewing information using mnemonic techniques, students reinforce their
memory and increase their chances of long-term retention.

Examples of Mnemonic Devices:

• Acronyms: Creating a word or phrase using the first letter of a list of items to be
remembered. For example, ROYGBIV for the colors of the rainbow (red,
orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet).
• Visualization: Creating mental images or scenes to represent information. For
instance, visualizing a story or picture to remember a series of events or facts.
• Chunking: Breaking down information into smaller, manageable chunks. For
example, grouping numbers or letters into smaller sets to remember them more
easily.
• Rhymes and Songs: Creating rhymes or songs that include the information to
be remembered. Melodies and rhythms can enhance memory recall.
• Method of Loci: Associating items or concepts with specific locations in a
familiar place. Mentally walking through the place helps retrieve the
information.
 Mnemonic Devices for Enhanced Working Memory

Tips for Using Mnemonic Devices:

• Teach a variety of mnemonic techniques to cater to different learning styles
and preferences.
• Encourage students to create their own mnemonic devices. Personalized
associations and connections increase engagement and memorability.
• Integrate mnemonics into instruction and practice activities to reinforce
learning and memory.
• Provide opportunities for students to share and explain their mnemonic devices
with peers. Peer learning and discussions enhance memory retention.

Remember, mnemonic devices are tools that support working memory but may
not work equally for all students. Encourage students to experiment with different
techniques and find what works best for them.

By incorporating mnemonic devices into teaching and learning, we can empower

students to improve their working memory skills and enhance their overall
academic success.
 Read-Alouds
Here are a list of read-alouds that are great for introducing working memory. Some of
these read-alouds may be available on YouTube so you don’t have to purchase the book.
• How Do I Remember All That? By Bryan Smith: Braden is finding his
schoolwork increasingly difficult, with more complex word problems and
longer reading passages. He often misses important details, which
affects both school and home life. With the support of a caring teacher
and consistent practice at home, Braden begins to develop strategies
to improve his working memory.

• "Too Many Toys" by David Shannon: This story follows Spencer, a young
boy with a lot of toys. As he tries to clean up his room, he must use his
working memory to remember where he put each toy. Discuss how
working memory helps us stay organized.

• "Pigsty" by Mark Teague: In this humorous tale, Wendell's messy room

becomes so cluttered that he can't find his pet pig. Explore the
challenges of working memory when things are disorganized and
discuss strategies for staying organized.

• "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" by Judith
Viorst: Alexander faces a series of challenges throughout his day, which
requires him to use his working memory to keep track of all the things
going wrong. Reflect on how working memory helps us handle
unexpected situations.

• "The Most Magnificent Thing" by Ashley Spires: The protagonist of this

book is determined to build the most magnificent thing but faces
frustration when things don't go as planned. Explore the role of working
memory in problem-solving and the importance of perseverance.

• "The Forgetful Knight" by Michelle Robinson: This story follows a knight

who is extremely forgetful. He keeps forgetting important things like his
armor and sword. With the help of his trusty steed, he learns to develop
strategies to improve his memory. Discuss the knight's strategies and how
they can be applied in real-life situations to become less forgetful.

• "A Porcupine Named Fluffy" by Helen Lester: Fluffy, a porcupine, is

forgetful when it comes to remembering his own name. He desperately
tries to find a name that better suits him but soon realizes that
embracing his true identity is the key. Explore how self-acceptance and
mindfulness can improve memory and reduce forgetfulness.
 Classroom Accommodations
For Working Memory
Accommodation Description
Preferential Seating Allow student to sit near the front of the classroom, close to
the teacher to minimize distractions and facilitate attention
and focus.
Visual Supports Provide visual aids such as charts, schedules or graphic
organizers to help the student organize and retain information
more effectively.
Multisensory Learning Incorporate multiple senses such as visual, tactile, auditory,
and kinesthetic modalities into the learning experience. This
can include using hands-on materials, manipulatives, and
interactive technology.
Written Instructions Provide written instructions for assignments, tasks, classroom
routines etc. This allows the student to refer back to the
information if needed and reduces the demand on working
memory for remembering verbal instructions.
Repetition and Offer frequent opportunities for review and repetition of key
Review concepts or information. This helps reinforce learning and
supports the student’s working memory retention.
Visual Timers and Display a visual timer to help the student manage their time
Reminders effectively during tasks or transitions. Additionally, provide
visual reminders or prompts for upcoming deadlines,
assignments or important events.
Breaking Down Help the student break down larger assignments or projects
Assignments into smaller, more manageable parts. Provide clear
instructions and checklists to guide their progress and reduce
overwhelm.
Memory Aids and Teach the student memory aids and strategies, such as
Strategies visualization, association techniques, and mnemonic devices.
Encourage them to use these strategies independently to
support their working memory.
Extended Time for Allow the student additional time to complete assignments,
Assignments tests, or quizzes to account for extra time needed to process
and retrieve information with their working memory.

Assistive Technology Explore the use of assistive technology tools such as voice
recorders, digital organizers, or speech to text software to help
the student capture and retain information more effectively.
 Working Memory Strategies
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to teach students memory aids including
visualization, association techniques, and mnemonic devices:

• Visualization:
• Explain that visualization involves creating mental images or pictures to
help remember information.

• Provide examples and guide the student through the process of visualizing
information. For instance, if they need to remember a list of items, ask them
to imagine each item in a vivid and memorable way.

• Encourage the student to practice visualizing various types of information,

such as numbers, words, or concepts.

• Association Techniques:
• Explain that association techniques involve linking new information to
something familiar or already known.

• Demonstrate the process by choosing a specific concept or fact and

brainstorming possible associations with the student. For example, if they
need to remember the planets in our solar system, they could associate
each planet with a familiar object or person.

• Encourage the student to come up with their own associations for different
types of information and reinforce the idea that personal connections
make it easier to remember.

• Mnemonic Devices:
• Introduce mnemonic devices as memory tools that use patterns,
acronyms, or rhymes to help remember information.

• Provide examples of common mnemonic devices, such as "ROY G. BIV" for

remembering the colors of the rainbow or "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt
Sally" for remembering the order of mathematical operations (Parentheses,
Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction).

• Guide the student in creating their own mnemonic devices for specific
information they need to remember. Encourage creativity and make sure
the mnemonic device is meaningful and easy to recall.
 Working Memory Strategies
Continued

• Practice and Application:

• Provide opportunities for the student to practice using these memory aids
and strategies. This can include reviewing previously learned material or
practicing with new information.

• Incorporate the memory aids and strategies into various learning activities
and assignments. Encourage the student to actively use visualization,
association techniques, and mnemonic devices to support their learning
and memory.

• Reflection and Feedback:

• Regularly check in with the student to evaluate the effectiveness of the
memory aids and strategies they are using. Ask them to reflect on their
experiences and share any challenges or successes.

• Provide feedback and support as needed. Offer suggestions for

improvement and help troubleshoot any difficulties the student may
encounter.

Remember that practice and repetition are key to mastering memory aids and
strategies. Encourage the student to use these techniques consistently and
provide ongoing support and reinforcement as they develop their working
memory skills.
 Student Letter
After teaching the lesson, you can
have students write their own letter to
other students who might be learning
about working memory in the future.
Dear Students,

Today, we're going to talk about something called "working

memory" and why it's important for your learning and success in school.
Working memory helps you remember things and keeps important
information in your mind while you're learning and solving problems.
Your working memory helps you keep important thoughts and ideas
handy when you need them.
Think of working memory as your very own mental notepad. When
your teacher gives you instructions or tells you important information,
your working memory helps you remember them so you can follow
along and do your best work. It's like having a little helper inside your
brain!
Here are some ways that working memory helps you in school:
• Paying Attention: When your working memory is strong, it helps you
stay focused and pay attention to what your teacher is saying or
what you're reading.
• Solving Problems: Whether it's solving a math problem or figuring out
a tricky riddle, working memory is there to help you. It holds all the
important information you need, like numbers or clues, so you can
put the pieces together and find the solution.
• Following Instructions: Your working memory is like a superpower
when it comes to following instructions. It helps you remember all the
steps you need to take to complete a task or assignment. So, when
your teacher says, "Do steps 1, 2, and 3," your working memory keeps
those steps in your mind until you finish them all.
• Remembering Facts and Ideas: Whether it's remembering historical
dates, spelling words, or interesting facts, working memory helps you
hold onto that information for a little while. It's like
having a special storage space in your brain just
for important facts and ideas.
Remember, everyone's working memory is different
and that's okay! You can always find ways to
strengthen and improve it. Your teachers and
other adults are here to support you.
 Working
Memory
Lesson plan, anchor
charts, student
scenarios, and activities
Please note: the duration of the lesson and activities
will vary depending on your students. Adapt the
lesson to suit your students' needs and abilities.
Consider providing additional support or guidance for
students who may require it.
 Working
Memory
Working memory is like having a
superhero brain power that helps us
remember things and keep them in
our mind for a short time. It's like
having a special notepad in our
head where we can hold and think
about important information.
Working memory helps
us keep important
thoughts and ideas
handy, so we can
use them right
when we need
them!
 Math Magic
Maria is solving a math problem
in class. She needs to remember
the numbers in the question, the
steps to solve it, and the final
answer. She uses her working
memory to hold onto all this
information in her mind while
she works through the problem.

56 + 43 – 32 =
56 + 43 = 99
99 – 32 = 67
Picture Perfect
Liam is participating in an art class
where the teacher describes a
beautiful landscape for the
students to draw. Liam needs to
remember the details about the
sky, trees, and mountains, and
visualize them in his mind. He uses
his working memory to hold onto
these details as he starts sketching
and adding colors to his artwork.
Detective Game
Emiko is playing a detective
game with her class. Her group
is given a list of clues they need
to remember to solve the
mystery. Emiko’s working
memory helps her keep track of
the different suspects, their
alibis, and the evidence they
find along the way.
 Science Lab
Lucas is conducting an exciting
science experiment in the lab.
He needs to remember the
steps of the experiment, the
materials he is using, and the
observations he makes along
the way. Lucas relies on his
working memory to juggle all
this important information as he
conducts his experiment.
 Working Memory Lesson Plan
Supercharge Your Brain: Exploring Working Memory!

Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will understand the

concept of working memory, recognize its importance in daily life, and
develop strategies to improve their working memory skills.

Materials Needed:
• Whiteboard or chart paper with markers, “Working Memory”
anchor chart, 4 scenario posters, brain labeling worksheet, working
memory task cards, working memory worksheet

Introduction (5 minutes):
• Begin the lesson by asking students, "Have you ever forgotten
something important? Like a homework assignment or where you
put your favorite toy?" Discuss examples of forgetfulness or instances
when they needed to remember things.
• Explain that today's lesson is all about a powerful brain skill called
"working memory" that can help them remember and stay
organized. Read the student letter to the class or group.

Explanation of Working Memory (10 minutes):

• Define working memory: Explain that working memory is like a
mental notepad that helps us hold and process information in our
minds temporarily (Project or display anchor chart).
• Provide kid-friendly examples/scenarios: See the scenario posters
attached: Math magic, Picture perfect, Detective game, Science
lab.

Discussion and Visuals (10 minutes):

• Draw or show visuals of a brain and working memory: Label different
parts of the brain, including the prefrontal cortex (where working
memory happens) and hippocampus. (refer to brain worksheet)
• Use visual aids to represent working memory as a "notepad" or a
"whiteboard" in the brain. Explain that it helps us juggle information
temporarily.
 Working Memory Lesson Plan Continued
Activities and Worksheets (15 minutes):
• Memory Challenge: Give each student a task card. Show them a
picture of items or a sequence of numbers for a few seconds, then
ask them to write or draw what they remember on their card.
Compare their answers and discuss the challenges of remembering.
• Working Memory Workout: Provide a worksheet with a series of short-
term memory exercises. Encourage students to use strategies like
repeating information aloud or visualizing it in their minds.
• Group Discussion: Have students share their strategies for
remembering things in everyday situations, such as remembering a
phone number or completing homework. Facilitate a discussion on
the effectiveness of different strategies.

Conclusion and Recap (5 minutes):

• Review key points: Summarize the concept of working memory, its
importance, and how it helps us in daily life.
• Emphasize the strategies: Reinforce the idea that working memory
can be improved by using strategies such as paying attention,
breaking tasks into smaller parts, and practicing recall.
• Encourage practice: Remind students to practice using their working
memory skills in various situations, both at school and home.

Extension Activities (optional):

• Working Memory Journal: Have students keep a daily journal where
they write down instances when they used their working memory
effectively or faced challenges. Encourage them to reflect on their
experiences.
• Memory Games: Introduce fun memory games like "Simon Says" or
"Memory Match" for students to play in pairs or small groups. These
games can reinforce the concepts learned and provide
opportunities to practice working memory skills.
Label Your Brain: Working Memory

1. Prefrontal cortex: This is the part of the brain located at the front,
right behind your forehead. It plays a crucial role in working memory.
It helps you hold information in your mind, allowing you to remember
and work with it for a short period. It is like the control center or the
boss of your brain.

2. Hippocampus: It is a small seahorse-shaped structure located deep

inside of the brain. It is closely connected to the prefrontal cortex.
When you learn something new, the hippocampus takes that
information and stores it in your brain. It is like a librarian who keeps
your memories organized and helps you find them when you need
them.
My Brain
 Working
Memory
Task Cards
Print front to back and
laminate for future use
 Working Working
Memory Cards Memory Cards

Working Working
Memory Cards Memory Cards

Working Working
Memory Cards Memory Cards
Directions: Look at this picture for a few Directions: Look at this picture for a few
seconds. Then flip it over. Write down or draw seconds. Then flip it over. Write down or draw
what you remember. what you remember.

Directions: Look at this sequence of numbers Directions: Look at this sequence of numbers
for a few seconds. Then flip it over. Write for a few seconds. Then flip it over. Write
down or verbally state the numbers in order down or verbally state the numbers in order
from memory. from memory.

694283715 4729158834

Directions: Look at this shopping list for a few Directions: Look at this shopping list for a few
seconds. Then flip it over and try to write seconds. Then flip it over and try to write
down from memory all the items you down from memory all the items you
remember. remember.

• Bananas • Canned corn • Chips

• Sugar
• Milk • Potatoes • Turkey
• Corn
• Eggs • Steak • Mayo
• Crackers
• Apples • Green beans • Pickles
• Pasta
• Wheat bread • Orange Juice • Lettuce
• Pasta sauce
• Hot dog buns • Cheese

• Hot dogs • Ice cream

List the items below: List the items below:
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
List the items below: List the items below:
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
List the items below: List the items below:
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
 Working
Memory
Worksheet/
Graphic
Organizer
Name: ___________________________ Date: ____________________

Working Memory Workout

Exercise 1: Following Instructions Read each set of instructions carefully. Try to
remember and follow the steps in your mind without looking back at the
worksheet.
Instructions:
1. Clap your hands twice.
2. Jump up and down three times.
3. Spin around in a circle clockwise.
4. Touch your nose with your right hand.
5. Stick out your tongue and wiggle it.

Did you remember and complete all the steps correctly?

Exercise 2: Remembering a List: Read the list of items below and try to
remember as many as you can. Then, cover the list with a paper or a notecard
and write down all the items you remember.

List of Items: How many items were you able to remember?

Write them down below:
• Frog • Apple
__________________ __________________
• Guitar • Bicycle
__________________ __________________
• Hat • Cat __________________ __________________
• Igloo • Dolphin __________________ __________________
• Jellyfish • Elephant __________________ __________________

Exercise 3: Memory Associations: Read the pairs of words below. Create a

vivid mental image or association that connects each pair. Use your
imagination to make the associations as memorable as possible.
Book – Ocean: A magical book that opens to reveal a big ocean
Pairs of Words/Association: filled with colorful fish swimming among the pages.

Tree – Hat: ___________________________________________________________________

Moon – Bicycle: ______________________________________________________________
Banana – Fish: ________________________________________________________________
Shoe – Cloud: ________________________________________________________________
Book – Pizza: _________________________________________________________________
Name: ___________________________ Date: ____________________

Working Memory Workout Page 2

Exercise 4: Repeating back: Read the first list of numbers. Cover up the list and
then try to write it in order from memory on the right. Then move onto the next
list of numbers and read it. Cover it up and try to write it from memory. Do
each list one at a time.

Number Sequence: Write it from memory:

5285173824 ___________________________________

3528146372 ___________________________________

Letter Sequence: Write it from memory:

ARJKTQLMHS ___________________________________

ACRBYGLMCP ___________________________________

Exercise 5: Picture this: Look at the picture for no more than 30 seconds. Then
cover it up and try to recreate it from memory. Pay attention to the colors and
the placement of the items in the picture.
Name: ___________________________ Date: ____________________

Working Memory Graphic Organizer

1. Think of a task or information you need to remember. It could be anything
like a set of instructions, a story you read, or steps to solve a problem.
2. Write down the task or information at the top of the page. For example, if it's
a set of instructions, write what you need to do or remember.
3. Break down the task or information into smaller steps. Think about what you
need to do or remember first, then second, and so on.
4. Fill in each step of the organizer with the information or actions you need to
remember. Write down the details or key points for each step.
5. Take a moment to reflect on what you have written. Think about the steps
you wrote down and the information you included.
6. Ask yourself, "What did I remember from the task or information?" Look at
your organizer and write down the key points or details that you remember
in the reflection section.

Task/Information: __________________________________________________________

Step 1: ____________________________________
Step 2: ____________________________________
Step 3: ____________________________________
Step 4: ____________________________________
Step 5: ____________________________________

Reflection:
What did you remember from the task/information? Write down your key points
or details below:

1. ________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________________________________
5. ________________________________________________________________________
 Visuals
There are many different acronyms and ways to teach working memory. These
are some ideas. You can have students come up with their own acronym as a
group or make their own poster.

When you print from a PDF you can change the percentage of the visuals to
make them larger or smaller depending on how you will use them.

On the print page, type in the page number for the visual you would like to
print. Then below, check the box “Custom Scale” Type in the percentage you
would like and click the visual to see what it would look like before you press
print. You can keep playing around with the percentages to find a size you like.

Sometimes I will print them smaller and tape them to a student’s desk.
 S.M.A.R.T:
Working Memory
Set up a Routine: Establish a
routine to keep your mind
organized and focused. Routines
can help you remember important
tasks and information.

Make it Visual: Use visualization

techniques to create mental images
or pictures of what you want to
remember. Visualizing information
makes it easier to recall later.

Associate and Connect: Make

connections between new
information and something you
already know. Find associations or
create links in your mind.

Repeat and Rehearse: Practice

repeating information out loud or
in your mind. Rehearse important
details to reinforce your memory
and help them stick.

Time Bound: Take breaks and rest:

Give your brain a break when you
feel overwhelmed or tired. Resting
allows your memory to recharge
and perform at its best.
S.M.A.R.T
Set up a Routine: Establish a
routine to keep your mind
organized and focused. Routines
can help you remember
important tasks and
information.
Make it Visual: Use visualization
techniques to create mental
images or pictures of what you
want to remember. Visualizing
information makes it easier to
recall later.

Associate and Connect: Make

connections between new
information and something you
already know. Find associations
or create links in your mind.

Repeat and Rehearse: Practice

repeating information out loud
or in your mind. Rehearse
important details to reinforce
your memory and help them
stick.
Time Bound: Take breaks and
rest: Give your brain a break
when you feel overwhelmed or
tired. Resting allows your
memory to recharge and
perform at its best.
S.M.A.R.T
 M.E.M.O.R.Y
Make associations: Create connections

M
or associations between new
information and things you already
know. This helps your memory hold onto
and retrieve the information more
easily.
Engage your senses: Use your senses

E
to enhance your memory. Pay attention
to visual details, say information aloud,
or create mental images to make it
more memorable.

Manage distractions: Minimize

M
distractions in your environment to help
you stay focused on the task at hand.
Find a quiet and calm space to work,
free from unnecessary interruptions.
Organize information: Break down

O
complex tasks or information into smaller,
more manageable chunks. Organize your
thoughts with graphic organizers or lists
to visually structure information.

Repeat and review: Repeat important

R
information to yourself, either silently
or out loud. Regularly review and revisit
the information to reinforce your
memory and help it stick.

Your active involvement: Actively engage

Y
with the information you're trying to
remember. Take notes, ask questions, or
explain the information to someone
else.
Make associations: Create connections
or associations between new
information and things you already
know. This helps your memory hold onto
and retrieve the information more
easily.
Engage your senses: Use your senses
to enhance your memory. Pay attention
to visual details, say information aloud,
or create mental images to make it
more memorable.
Manage distractions: Minimize
distractions in your environment to help
you stay focused on the task at hand.
Find a quiet and calm space to work,
free from unnecessary interruptions.

Organize information: Break down

complex tasks or information into
smaller, more manageable chunks.
Organize your thoughts with graphic
organizers or lists to visually structure
information.
Repeat and review: Repeat important
information to yourself, either silently
or out loud. Regularly review and revisit
the information to reinforce your
memory and help it stick.

Your active involvement: Actively engage

with the information you're trying to
remember. Take notes, ask questions, or
explain the information to someone
else.
Working
Memory
Activities
 Visual Memory Activity: Memory Tray Challenge
Objective: To enhance visual memory skills by challenging
students to remember and recall the items displayed on a
tray. If you don’t want to gather the items, you could also
find pictures on google and put them on a page.
Materials Needed:
•Tray
•Various small objects (e.g., pencil, eraser, toy car, paperclip, coin, button, etc.)
•A cloth or towel to cover the tray

Instructions:
1. Prepare the tray: Place a selection of small objects on the tray. Use a variety
of items to make it more engaging and challenging for students.
2. Introduce the activity: Explain to the students that they will be playing a
memory game called the "Memory Tray Challenge." The objective is to
remember as many items as possible from the tray.
3. Display the tray: Uncover the tray with the objects and allow students to
observe and study the objects for a specific duration (e.g., 30 seconds to 1
minute). Encourage students to pay close attention and try to memorize as
many details as they can.
4. Cover the tray: After the observation time is up, cover the tray with a cloth
or towel to hide the objects from view.
5. Recall and list the objects: Ask students to recall and write down or verbally
share as many objects as they can remember from the tray. Give them a
few minutes to think and recall the items they saw.
6. Uncover the tray and check the answers: Remove the cloth or towel to
reveal the tray with the objects again. Students can compare their lists to
see how many items they remembered correctly.
7. Facilitate a discussion about visual memory, asking questions such as:
• What strategies did you use to remember the objects?
• Were there any specific objects that were easier or harder to recall? Why?
• How did it feel to rely on your visual memory?
• What can we do to improve our visual memory skills?
• Repeat the activity: For added challenge and practice, repeat the
activity with different objects or increase the number of items on the tray.
This activity encourages students to focus their attention, observe details, and
utilize their visual memory skills. It can be conducted in a whole-class setting or
small groups, fostering engagement, critical thinking, and memory
development.
Directions: Look at this picture for a few
seconds. Then flip it over. Write down or draw
what you remember.
Directions: Look at this picture for a few
seconds. Then flip it over. Write down or draw
what you remember.
 Visual Memory Activity: Draw and Remember
Objective: To enhance visual memory skills by challenging students to observe
and recall details while drawing an object.

Materials Needed:
• Paper or drawing sheets
• Pencils, erasers, and coloring materials

Instructions:
1. Introduce the activity: Explain to the students that they will be playing a
game called "Draw and Remember" to practice their visual memory skills.
Emphasize the importance of careful observation and attention to detail.
2. Select an object: Choose a simple object or image that can be easily
drawn, such as a fruit, a household item, or a common shape. Display a
visual representation or show the actual object to the students briefly.
3. Observe and visualize: Give students a few moments to carefully observe
the object or image. Encourage them to visualize and mentally note the
important details, shapes, and features.
4. Cover the object: Once students have had sufficient time to observe, cover
or remove the object or image from their view.
5. Drawing time: Instruct students to use their visual memory to draw the object
they just observed. Encourage them to include as many details as they can
recall. Remind them to focus on accuracy and precision.
6. Share and compare: After completing their drawings, have students share
their artwork with their peers or the whole class. Ask them to explain their
thought process and describe the details they included in their drawings.
7. Reveal the object: Show the object or image once again to compare it with
the students' drawings. Have a discussion about the accuracy of their
drawings and the level of detail they were able to remember.
8. Reflect and discuss: Facilitate a reflective discussion about the activity,
asking questions such as:
• What strategies did you use to remember the object while drawing?
• How did you decide which details to include?
9. Repeat the activity: Continue the activity with different objects or images to
provide ongoing practice and development of visual memory skills.

This activity combines drawing and visual memory to engage students in active
observation, recall, and artistic expression. It promotes attention to detail,
strengthens visual memory abilities, and encourages creative thinking.
Directions: Study the picture for 30
seconds. Then cover it up. Use your
visual memory to draw the object with
as many details as possible.
Directions: Study the picture for 30
seconds. Then cover it up. Use your
visual memory to draw the object with
as many details as possible.
Directions: Study the picture for 30
seconds. Then cover it up. Use your
visual memory to draw the object with
as many details as possible.
 Auditory Memory Activity: Sound Sequencing Challenge
Objective: To enhance auditory memory skills by challenging students to
remember and recreate a sequence of sounds.
Materials Needed:
• Various objects or instruments that produce distinct sounds (e.g., bells,
shakers, drums, whistles, etc.)
Instructions:
1. Gather the objects: Collect a set of objects or instruments that produce
different sounds. Ensure that each object has a distinct and recognizable
sound.
2. Introduce the activity: Explain to the students that they will be participating
in the "Sound Sequencing Challenge" to practice their auditory memory
skills. The objective is to remember and recreate a sequence of sounds.
3. Demonstrate the sequence: Begin by creating a simple sequence of sounds
using the objects. For example, you can shake a bell, tap a drum, blow a
whistle, and jingle a set of keys in a specific order.
4. Play the sequence: Play the sequence of sounds for the students once,
allowing them to listen carefully. Encourage them to pay close attention to
the order and characteristics of each sound.
5. Repeat the sequence: After playing the sequence, give students a moment
to reflect and process the sounds they heard.
6. Recreate the sequence: Instruct the students to work individually or in small
groups to recreate the sequence of sounds they just heard. They should use
the objects provided to make the same sounds in the same order.
7. Perform and compare: Have each student or group take turns performing
their recreated sequence of sounds. Compare their sequences to the
original sequence to see how closely they matched.
8. Reflect and discuss: Facilitate a discussion about auditory memory, asking
questions such as:
• How did you remember the sequence of sounds? Were there any
specific sounds that were easier or harder to recall? Why? What
strategies did you use to organize and remember the sounds in order?
9. Increase complexity: Gradually increase the complexity of the sequences
by adding more sounds or making the sequences longer. Challenge
students to remember and recreate more intricate sound patterns.

This auditory memory activity engages students in active listening and auditory
recall. It challenges their ability to retain and reproduce sequences of sounds,
strengthening their auditory memory skills
 Working Memory Activity: Follow Directions
Objective: To enhance working memory skills by challenging students to
remember and accurately repeat a sequence of given directions.

Instructions:
1. Introduce the activity: Explain to the students that they will be playing a
game called "Follow the Directions" to practice their working memory skills.
The objective is to remember and accurately repeat a sequence of given
directions.
2. Model the activity: Begin by modeling the activity yourself. Give a simple set
of directions, such as "Clap your hands three times, stand up, and spin
around." Demonstrate each action while stating the corresponding
direction.
3. Explain the rules: Let the students know that they will take turns being the
leader and giving directions, while the rest of the class follows and repeats
the sequence of actions.
4. Start with a simple sequence: Begin with a short and straightforward
sequence of directions, consisting of two or three actions. For example,
"Touch your nose, pat your head, and stomp your feet.“
5. The leader gives directions: Choose a student to be the leader and instruct
them to give the sequence of directions (3-5 directions). Encourage the
leader to speak clearly and at a moderate pace to allow everyone to
remember the actions.
6. Students repeat the directions: The other students listen carefully to the
directions given by the leader and then perform the actions in the same
order. Encourage students to pay attention and remember the sequence.
7. Rotate the leader: After the sequence is completed, rotate the leader role
to another student. Each student takes a turn being the leader and giving
their own set of directions for the class to follow.
8. Increase the complexity: As the students become more comfortable with
the activity, gradually increase the complexity of the sequences by adding
more actions or introducing variations in the directions.
9. Discussion: Facilitate a discussion about working memory, asking questions
such as: How did you remember the sequence of actions? Were there any
specific directions that were easier or harder to recall? Why? What strategies
did you use to remember the directions in order?
This activity engages students in active listening, working memory recall, and
following multi-step directions. It promotes focus, attention, and the ability to
retain and reproduce information accurately. Encourage students to support
and encourage each other.