ABCs of Learning

Some students have difficulty remembering what they have learned.  As they progress in school, there are greater demands for efficient information storage and retrieval.  Struggles with memory can create increased frustration as these children are required to process larger amounts of material.  The following are a few tips to aid memory:

·        Break down a long study guide into smaller parts that are learned over the course of a week rather than in one night.

·        Use multi-sensory instruction.  Pair words on a flashcard with picture cues.  Have the child act out the concept or make a model.  This approach will help to engage various senses and build multiple pathways for that information in the brain.

·        Always tie new concepts to something that the child already knows.

·        Use chunking to group bits of information that are similar.  This strategy helps with organization of new material.

·        Provide multiple opportunities for practice and review.  Repetition aids recall.

·        Offer frequent encouragement and praise for the child’s accomplishments.

If your child has had longstanding difficulty with memory tasks and exhibits other academic struggles, you should consider a consultation with a professional.  As an Educational Specialist at Child and Family Development in Charlotte, I work with a team of clinicians in providing consultation and comprehensive evaluation.  We work with children who have learning disabilities, dyslexia, attention deficit disorders, and autism spectrum disorders.