Short-term Memory

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Our neuropsychologist recommended using a 'self-regulating' memory system which has worked very well for our child.

Basically, you put the information to be remembered into a question/answer format on an index card.. Put the questions on one side of the card, and the answers on the other side (In this case, the math fact on one side, answer on the other side).

Your child looks at the question, tries to recall the answer.. If she can't, she turns the card over, reads the answer, then puts it back in her hand at the back of the deck. If she can recall the answer, she lays the card aside in the "I know it" pile. By starting with a few cards, the cards will cycle through fast enough that the child will eventually be able to remember some of what she JUST read.. then as she eliminates cards, the re-review comes up more rapidly and she may be able to remember. Eventually she'll have one card in her hand and can read the question, then see the answer, then flip it over and read the question and hopefully answer it because there will be virtually NO delay.

This system has worked extremely well for our child who also has short-term memory deficits. By letting the child do the cards himself.. HE can 1) take responsibility for his own learning 2) regulate how much time he gives himself to think of the answer and 3) review if he doesn't know the answer -- Plus, as time goes on, your child will develop his own internal means of figuring out how to remember things which is the BIG key to long-term success.

Hopefully this will help you.. or at least someone ;-) It works great for us! Sandy

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