Developing Working Memory
Working memory underpins cognitive development and learning for young children
What You Need to Know
In a busy classroom, it can be challenging for toddlers to keep rules or instructions in mind. That’s because young children are just beginning to develop their working memory skills. Teachers can help children by having reasonable expectations, giving simple directions, and using cues and visuals.
What It Looks Like
A quick glance at how you can help children develop their working memory
Play Games
Playing games that require children to remember specific movements or actions supports their working memory. Notice how the teachers provide support by restating directions and modeling each new action.
Refer to Labels
Directing children’s attention to labels on classroom items, like this teacher does with names on chairs, helps children develop working memory.
Use Visuals to Revisit the Day
Using visuals, such as a picture schedule, can help children remember how they spent their day and recall details about what they did. Notice how this teacher guides children to remember what instruments they played.
DEVELOPING MEMORY THROUGH BOOKS
Hide and Seek
Written and illustrated by Taro Gomi, this book supports young children to develop working memory by providing visuals to refer back to as they look for objects hidden within the illustrations.
Activity Cards for Infant and Toddler Classrooms
Part of the STREAMin3 curriculum, activity cards provide simple and fun ways to help older infants and toddlers develop their working memory
Breathing: Flower & Candle
Children work on remembering each part of these breathing exercises.
I-Spy
You can scaffold this game for all children and can help them develop their working memory.
Sequence Songs
Songs that keep building on a sequence challenge and grow children's working memory skills.
Get Our Resource Guide
Includes questions and activities to guide your use of the videos, book suggestions, and activity cards featured for each of our core social-emotional skills
