Working Memory: Why Kids Forget Steps (and What Helps)
“Go upstairs, put your pajamas on, and brush your teeth.”
Five minutes later, your child comes back — in pajamas but without brushing. Or maybe they never even made it to their room. Sound familiar?
This isn’t laziness or ignoring directions. It’s about working memory — the brain’s “scratchpad” that holds information long enough to use it.
What Is Working Memory?
Working memory is the ability to hold on to information for a short time while using it. It’s what allows a child to:
Follow a set of directions.
Solve a multi-step math problem.
Read a story and remember the beginning while reaching the end.
Play a game and keep track of the rules.
When working memory is weak, kids lose track of the steps, forget what they’re doing, or need instructions repeated again and again.
Why It Matters
Working memory isn’t just about school. It’s part of everyday independence. Kids use it to:
Get dressed in the right order.
Pack their bag with everything they need.
Remember a friend’s rules during pretend play.
Follow along in conversations.
Without strong working memory, children may look unfocused or “forgetful,” but really their brain is overloaded.
Signs of Working Memory Challenges
Forgetting multi-step directions.
Losing their place when reading.
Struggling to copy from the board.
Starting a task but not finishing it.
Appearing inattentive, when in fact they can’t hold on to the steps.
What Helps
Working memory isn’t fixed. With the right supports, kids can strengthen it. Here are a few strategies we use at Activate. Integrate. — with links to deeper posts if you’d like to read more:
Movement breaks to regulate → When the body is regulated, the brain can hold on to more. See Heavy Work for Little Bodies →
Rhythm and timing activities → Clapping games, rhythm patterns, or programs like Interactive Metronome train timing, which supports memory. See Everyday Rhythm Games → and Timing and Attention: Why Rhythm Matters →
Cognitive puzzles and visual challenges → Programs like Designs for Strong Minds strengthen flexible thinking and memory through structured puzzles. See Designs for Strong Minds →
Interactive Metronome → Builds timing and sequencing, directly tied to working memory growth. See Interactive Metronome Explained →
Visual supports → Checklists, step cards, or charts take the load off memory and free up energy for actually doing the task.
Tips for Parents
Break directions into shorter chunks.
Use visual cues (like a picture sequence for bedtime).
Practice recall in fun ways (play “I went to the store and bought…”).
Celebrate effort, not just accuracy.
The Big Picture
Working memory is the hidden skill behind focus, independence, and learning. When children strengthen it, they don’t just follow directions better — they gain confidence, flexibility, and success across school and daily life.
If you’d like to explore how our programs support working memory through movement, rhythm, and cognitive training, we’d be happy to talk with you.