Memory in Children: How Does It Really Work?

Have you ever wondered how kids remember things and how their memory develops over time?

It’s pretty fascinating, to be honest! Think of memory like the RAM in a computer. The more RAM you have, the more information your computer can handle at once, making things run smoothly.

Our brains work a bit like that, too. The better our working memory, the more we can juggle information and process things quickly.

Little boy with glasses in a thinking pose with his thoughts visualized above him.

But here’s the catch: unlike computers, we can’t just pop in a new RAM stick to boost our memory. And just like a computer doesn’t come with all its memory capabilities right from the start, kids’ memory skills grow and improve as they get older.

So, what exactly makes up working memory? How does it change as children grow? And what can we do to help kids who might be having a tough time with their memory?

Let’s find out together.

What is Memory in Kids?

Memory is a fascinating process in which we take in information from our surroundings, process it, store it, and then recall it later. Imagine it like a filing cabinet in our brain, where we keep all the important details.

However, memory isn’t perfect. We don’t remember every single thing that happens, and sometimes, our memories can change or become a bit distorted over time.

What Are Different Types of Memory?

Memory can be a bit complex, but breaking it down into different types can make it easier to understand. Let's look at how memory works in different stages and types:

1. Sensory memory:

This is like a brief snapshot of what you experience through your senses. For example, when you touch something or hear a sound, sensory memory helps you remember that sensation for a short time, even after it’s gone.

It’s a quick and fleeting kind of memory that captures the immediate sensory details.

2. Short-term memory:

As the name suggests, short-term memory holds onto information for a brief period. It’s like a mental sticky note where you keep things you need to remember right now but don’t need to store forever.

For example, kids keeping a list of toys in their heads while looking for them in the house is an example of short-term memory.

Preschool girl playing with a wooden toy with colors and numbers.

3. Working memory:

Working memory is closely related to short-term memory but focuses more on the active use of information. It’s the memory system that helps your kid hold and manipulate information while working on a task, like solving a puzzle.

For instance, when your kid is following directions, working memory helps them keep track of the details as they work through them.

4. Long-Term Memory:

This is where most of our memories are stored for the long haul. If your kid can remember something after 30 seconds, it’s probably in their long-term memory. It can hold an almost unlimited amount of information, from everyday details like a friend’s birthday to significant life events, like getting a brother or a sister.

Long-term memory can be divided into two main types:

Explicit memory: This includes things your kid consciously remembers, like facts about cats, and personal experiences, like learning their teacher’s name and surname.

Implicit memory: This involves skills and habits your kid performs automatically, like riding a bike or opening a bottle of water.

Infographic explaining types of memory in children.

Why is Working Memory Important?

Working memory is something kids use all the time, even if they don’t realize it. For example, when a child needs to remember instructions from their teacher or follow a set of steps to complete a task, they’re relying on their working memory.

The same happens when the kid is playing with Montessori puzzles and brain games. After some time, they’ll use working memory to solve puzzles faster and deal with problems easier.

Here’s why working memory is so important for kids:

Boosts focus and independence: Working memory helps kids process and remember instructions. When they can keep track of what they’re supposed to do, they can work more independently.

Supports language skills: When kids are learning to read, they use working memory to remember the sounds of letters long enough to blend them into words. It also helps them understand what they’re reading by keeping track of the beginning of a sentence or paragraph while they reach the end.

Improves problem-solving and cognitive skills: Working memory helps kids with cognitive development and problem-solving. It allows them to hold and manipulate information in their minds.

Little preschool boy with his hands on his head looking directly at camera.

How Memory Develops in Children

Memory development in children is a fascinating process that starts early and evolves over time. In the beginning, infants have very basic memory capabilities. They might not recall much from their early months, but as they grow, their memory becomes more complex.

In the first year, infants have very limited memory. They start by recognizing familiar faces and sounds, which are crucial for their development. This early memory is closely tied to their immediate sensory experiences and emotional responses.

Baby playing with a colorful Montessori Soft Book.

Around age two, children begin to develop a sense of self. This growing awareness of themselves as separate individuals helps them organize their memories more effectively. They start to remember events in relation to themselves.

Now, as children grow older, their cognitive skills, such as understanding and processing information, improve. This means they can remember more details and hold onto information for longer periods.

If you take information processing theory, for example, the more a child understands a situation or information, the better they can remember it. For instance, a child will recall details from a story they find interesting much better than from a story that confuses them.

Factors Affecting Memory in Children

Kids are like sponges, soaking up all sorts of information. But just like how a sponge works best when it’s not too wet or too dry, a child’s memory can be influenced by various factors.

Let’s see some factors that are affecting memory in our kids:

1. Cognitive development:

Think of cognitive development as the memory muscles kids are building. Just like you wouldn’t expect a toddler to lift heavy weights, you can’t expect them to remember complex things before their memory “muscles” are strong enough.

For instance, a preschooler might forget a list of chores, but as they grow and their thinking skills improve, they’ll start remembering those details better.

2. Emotional state:

Emotions are like spices in a recipe - too much or too little can change the whole flavor. Kids remember things better when they have strong emotions attached to them. So, a birthday party with lots of laughter will be remembered long after, but a stressful day might just blur into the background.

If a child is stressed or anxious, their memory can take a hit. Creating positive, low-stress environments can make sure their memory “recipe” stays tasty.

First grader stressing about homework while looking at a book.

3. Attention and focus:

Attention is quite important when it comes to building memory. If kids are distracted, their memory is left out. Imagine trying to remember a phone number while watching an edge-of-the-seat movie - pretty tricky, right?

Kids need a calm and focused environment to soak up information effectively. Helping them find their “focus zone” can make sure their memory is on point.

4. Repetition and practice:

Repetition is like giving memory a gentle nudge, making sure it doesn’t forget important stuff. Just like how practicing a new skill makes it easier, repeating information helps it stick.

For example, if a child practices a new math skill or reviews a story, they’re more likely to remember it. So, the next time they learn something new, a bit of practice can make all the difference!

Techniques to Boost Memory in Children - The Montessori Way

We’re not born educated; we learn through life. And since everything can be taught, your kids can also learn how to work around their memory skills. Let’s see some of the best ways to boost memory in kids.

Visualize everything: Encourage kids to create a mental picture of what they’ve just read or heard. For example, if you ask them to tell you a fairytale, let them first visualize everything and draw the main characters.

Let your kid tutor you: Teaching is a great way to reinforce memory. Ask your child to teach you a new skill they’re learning, like how to draw a butterfly and color it. This not only helps them organize and file the information in their mind but also boosts their confidence.

Mother and daughter lying on the floor and drawing in a book.

Active reading goes a long way: Active reading techniques, such as highlighting text and jotting down notes, help kids remember what they read. Discussing the material and asking questions out loud can also reinforce their understanding and memory.

‘’Eat’’ information into smaller bites: Breaking down information into smaller chunks makes it easier to remember. For example, instead of giving multi-step directions all at once, break them down and give them one step at a time.

Multisensory is the key: Using multiple senses can enhance memory. Write tasks down so kids can see them, say them out loud so they can hear them, and walk through the tasks together. Engaging more senses helps kids keep information in mind longer and strengthens both working and long-term memory.

Connections are important: Creating associations and connections makes information more memorable. Linking new information to something familiar helps with both forming and recalling memories.

Conclusion:

Understanding how memory works in children reveals the incredible journey from basic recall to complex cognitive skills. By focusing on their memory development through engaging techniques and supportive environments, we set the stage for their academic and personal success.

Remember, every child’s memory grows at its own pace, and with the right tools and encouragement, they’ll continue to amaze us with their learning and recall abilities.