How Teachers Can Help Students with Short Term Memory Issues
This week, we’ve focused our blogs on memory loss in children. Memory loss is a disconcerting condition that affects more people than you might think.
The NBA is committed to creating conversations that benefit the entire disability community of Canada. Memory loss is often a symptom of disability. It may be a surprise to some, but children (as well as adults) sometimes deal with memory loss, and often this is a result of disability.
STUDENTS WITH SHORT TERM MEMORY PROBLEMS CAN DISRUPT AN ENTIRE CLASS
As a teacher, you are probably well aware that short term memory problems in a child (that are related to ADHD or learning disabilities) can easily disrupt an entire classroom of students. The good news is you have a vital role in helping students develop their memory.
GAMES CAN IMPROVE A STUDENT’S SHORT TERM MEMORY
Here are a few things you as a teacher can do to increase the function of a student’s short term memory:
- Have students get into small groups. Place several items (4-6) on top of a table. Select a student to cover his or her eyes while another student removes an item from the table. Finally, have the student uncover his or her eyes and guess which item is missing.
- Set a picture in front of a student for about 60 seconds. After you remove the picture, have the child write a short story about it (what it looked like, how it made him or her feel, etc.).
TIPS FOR ASSISTING STUDENTS WITH MEMORY PROBLEMS
Do you have a student (or students) in a classroom with ADHD/learning disabilities? Does that student really struggle with his or her short term memory? If so, create a special “space” for that student. Consider decorating a desk for a child with memory problems and placing a “designated” cushion on the desk chair. You might also consider allowing that child to move around, if that helps him or her to focus.
WHAT TYPE OF SHORT TERM MEMORY-SHARPENING ACTIVITIES DO YOUR STUDENTS DO?
Do your students deal with short term memory problems? If so, what do you do to sharpen their short term memory skills?
The National Benefit Authority is Canada’s leading service provider of the Disability Tax Credit, a disability program that offers financial support to people with medical conditions, including memory loss in children. We’ve helped over 40,000 Canadians successfully receive their Canadian disability benefits!
